Holliman Elementary School fifth graders learned a number of valuable lessons during their annual Read-A-Thon to raise funds for Toys For Tots, including just how much toys can cost. Through their efforts, the students raised $1,053 and purchased 150 toys for children in need.

Students in Beth-Anne Rafanelli and Sonya Yazidjian’s fifth grade classes hosted a four-week Read-A-Thon starting on Nov. 4 to raise the money. The children asked family members to sponsor them for 50 cents per book they were able to read during the four weeks. For example, if a child had three people sponsor them, they would receive $1.50 per book.

For the Read-A-Thon, only chapter books the student read at home or during silent reading time would count towards their final total (not in-class assignments).

While the amounts raised by each child varied depending on how many sponsors they had and how many books they read, Rafanelli said every student had at least $20 to purchase toys.

“I had one student who was able to bring in $50, so it depends,” said Rafanelli.

The fifth grade classes also hosted a Holiday Hat Day at the school on Dec. 6. Faculty, staff and students could bring in a donation and wear their hat for the day. The classes were able to raise $150 that day.

Rafanelli explained that the money raised from Holiday Hat Day was given to students who may have needed a few extra dollars to reach $20. For example, if a student only raised $15 through their reading, Rafanelli and Yazidjian would give that student $5 from the group fund.

Students were able to take the money they raised through their reading and pick out toys to purchase for the donation during a class field trip to Wal-Mart on Dec. 11.

“It was a great math lesson,” said Rafanelli.

It also proved to be a great way to teach the students to be thankful for the things they have in their life. “They were shocked at the price of things,” added Rafanelli, saying many realized just how much their families are able to provide for them.

Rafanelli estimates that the fifth grade was able to purchase a total of 150 gifts for the Marine’s Toys For Tots program.

“We get smaller gifts. That is what the Marines ask for,” explained Rafanelli, naming Barbie dolls, Lego building sets, board games and One Direction dolls as some of the popular items the students purchased.

Rafanelli and Yazidjian have been holding the Read-A-Thon for Toys For Tots for four years, since they both became teachers at Holliman. In past years there have been three fifth grade classes in the school, but this year there are only two, so Rafanelli and Yazidjian are very impressed with the amount their two classes were able to raise. The students are, too.

“They absolutely love it,” said Rafanelli. “They got so excited about the amount they raised.”

Rafanelli said that many students commented they were happy that moms and dads would be able to give gifts to their children because of their help.