For the past several years, Jefferson elementary and high school students, staff and student organizations have undertaken a service project to improve the lives of those less fortunate than themselves. This project replaced a holiday gift exchange between the students and for the 2011 holidays, the school selected to create “Jared’s Boxes”. The boxes contain age-appropriate toys, games, and other items to help children occupy their time while hospitalized and are labeled by age and gender.

On December 28, Jefferson’s National Honor Society students and their advisor, Stacey Mattson, delivered 24 Jared’s Boxes to St. Francis Hospital & Health Services in Maryville. Students included:  (front row from left) Darcy Schieber, Zach Jermain, Ashley Chor, Shanna Welch, Jill Henry, (back row) Charles Miller, Ashley Merrigan, Sam Kelley, Gina Schieber, and Kendle Schieber.