J.J. says "Abbie (Church) and Morgan (Brow) are awesome. I really like them!"
J.J. is a student in Mrs. Henderson's special education program at Sault Area High School. He professed his excitement about the gifts that the LINKS students were handing out to his fellow friends and classmates.
LINKS is a program that connects mainstream students with those in the special education program. LINKS mentor the students, but it is much more than that. LINKS participants also receive credit. But it is much more than that.
It is about making special friends. It's about the smiles and hugs. And today, there were lots of hugs and smiles as Abbie, Morgan, and a handful of LINKS passed out gifts to all of Mrs. Henderson students.
Abbie and Morgan came up with the idea just a couple weeks ago to make sure that no special needs student goes home without something special. They fundraised and generated nearly $800 to buy the gifts.
"It made me feel really good doing it because being in here makes me grateful for what I have so when I can share that with them, it makes it a lot better," Abbie said.
Morgan added "Just getting to know everybody in the classroom I love them all so much. They are so kind and so sweet. We just really wanted to do something to give back because each and everyone of these kids deserves the world!"
This is what the world needs more of. Acceptance and a connection with those who are less fortunate and/or have special needs. LINKS prove that it can be done.
