For Immediate Release
Contact: Lisa Shanley, Director of Communications
Paw Paw, MI – If you're looking for the character traits in children that most strongly predict their ability to build and sustain a generous community later in life, look no further than Paw Paw Public Schools (PPPS) in Paw Paw, Michigan. Now in its third year in the district, CharacterStrong, a PreK-12 program focused on building character traits that promote students’ well-being, relationships and leadership skills has been embraced by PPPS. By helping students consistently practice empathy, responsibility, and compassion, the program is elevating the culture of the entire school community.
The momentum generated by this program, and the enthusiasm of PPPS students, has extended beyond the campus and is creating a positive ripple-effect throughout the Paw Paw community.
Beginning in November, students from all grade levels went to work, eagerly collecting and donating non-perishable food for the 2025 Paw Paw Lions Club Christmas Basket Program. From pancake mix, pasta and canned peaches to soups, cereals, cake mixes and more, students, student groups, and staff took this assignment seriously.
From Paw Paw High School (PPHS), the National Honor Society, with assistance from advisors, generously gave their time by collecting canned goods and other non-perishable items at the entrances of Family Fare in Paw Paw and Wagoner’s in Mattawan. With the help of students from the “Pay it Forward” class at PPHS, they also collected donations at Save a Lot in Paw Paw. In total, Paw Paw High School collected and donated 3525 items to the Lions Christmas Basket Program, which will in turn be given to local families in need.
At Paw Paw Middle School, the student council, with help from advisors, led efforts to collect items for the Lions Christmas Basket Program. Healthy competition among the grades generated 1148 items for local families in need. According to Student Council Advisor Kaylah Laurian, the total donations doubled last year's total.
At Paw Paw Early and Later Elementary, classes and grades were also in a friendly competition to see who could collect the most. In total, Paw Paw Early Elementary collected 1074 items, and because Paw Paw Later Elementary assigned each food item a certain number of points, the number of items was not readily available, but suffice it to say hundreds of individual items and dozens of cases of canned goods and boxed goods were collected and donated.
Paw Paw Public Schools Superintendent Jeremy Davison concluded with, “To everyone who collected, donated, or helped with the food drive in any way, thank you! Your generosity and care for one another make a real impact. Thank you for continuing to embody our PACK spirit and for partnering with the Lions Club to support families right here in Paw Paw."
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