Wendy Schnabel teaches much more than reading, writing and arithmetic at Thunderbird Christian Elementary School in Scottsdale, Ariz. She’s teaching her fifth and sixth graders how to love tangibly.

They heard of one local family of nine that was in crisis. Christmas was coming and the father had long been without work. Not only would there be scant provisions—food, shoes and clothing—but presents for the children were totally out of the picture.

It seemed that a Christmas miracle was desperately needed—and Mrs. Schnabel’s class rose to the occasion by "adopting" this family and working eagerly to provide for their Christmas "wish list."

The students raised $750, then took an exciting trip to WalMart to purchase food, clothing and Christmas toys for the family. These industrious fifth and sixth graders personally wrapped the gifts and created their own Christmas cards to be included with them.

When the family gratefully collected their Christmas bounty from their young benefactors, the students received their own special gift in return—warm, fuzzy feelings about the true meaning of Christmas, something Jesus taught us when He urged us to "do unto others."

One student shared her feelings about this heart-warming project: "Christmas is about baby Jesus being our Gift. It makes Him happy when we remember other people at Christmas!"