Georgia Teacher and Students Work Some Holiday Magic for Local Children's Shelter

Buford, GA, December 15, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Like all great holiday stories, this one begins very simply – with a small spark of holiday magic. Kimberly Hartz, a second grade teacher at Gwinnett County Public School’s Duncan Creek Elementary in North Georgia wished to share a special tradition with her students – something she had been taught by her parents throughout her own youth, the importance of giving back to those in need. She initiated a Season of Giving in the classroom, and – in addition to having her second graders do special things like create holiday cards for soldiers overseas – the class adopted the Gwinnett Children’s Shelter at the heart of their unique holiday project. The students began collecting much-needed items for the Shelter in the classroom, and designed gift bags for each child who will be spending the holidays at Gwinnett Children’s Shelter. Every bag will contain a brand new pair of pajamas and a handful of goodies.

Once local businesses learned about Ms. Hartz’ Class, the Season of Giving, and the Gwinnett Children’s Shelter, a handful quickly joined in the effort and developed wonderful ways to make the holidays a little brighter for the kids of the Shelter:

· Lake Lanier Islands Resort in Buford will provide admission to the Gwinnett Children’s Shelter so that they can enjoy a modern day sleigh ride through 7-miles of twinkling, animated holiday light displays during their Magical Nights of Lights.

· Rick Tanners Grille & Bar in Dacula at Hamilton Mill will play host to “Back to the Shelter Nights” from December 15-31. Guests who dine at this Tanners location (3519 Braselton Highway) during those evenings are asked to write “Gwinnett Children’s Shelter” or “GCS” on their tab, and 10% of their total receipt will be donated to the Shelter. Tanners in Dacula is also a Toys for Tots location, so please feel free to bring in a new unwrapped toy for a child in need. For more information or to make reservations, call (770) 932-6099.

· Zaxby’s at Hamilton Mill will deliver two large party trays to the Gwinnett Children’s Shelter during the holidays to be enjoyed by the kids and staff, and will host a private party for the children at the restaurant complete with balloons and a special appearance by the Zaxby’s mascot “LZ” (Little Zach).

· Stars & Strikes of Dacula, valued supporter of Gwinnett Children’s Shelter, will be hosting a special bowling outing for the kids during the holiday season as part of their Third Annual Foster Children’s Party. Stars & Strikes will also provide a “free game of bowling” card to each member of Ms. Hartz’ second grade class as a reward for their efforts during A Season of Giving.

· Choi Kwang-Do of Buford will host a special martial arts demonstration and lesson for the Gwinnett Children’s Shelter, and provide each child with a t-shirt as a souvenir of their visit.

· Great Escapes Theater at Hamilton Mill will donate movie passes to be used as part of a special reward system in place at the Shelter for kids who display high achievement and excellent behavior.

Susie Ryan, Director of Fund Development for the Gwinnett Children’s Shelter, is grateful to Ms. Hartz, her second graders, and the local businesses that have chosen to play a part in A Season of Giving. “In order to provide a nurturing atmosphere where the kids in our care can live, grow and work past the abuse and crises they have experienced, we depend greatly on the generous donations of individuals, businesses, churches and civic groups to help us in meeting our budget as well as providing volunteers to assist in work projects,” explains Ryan. “This economy has its many challenges and we recognize that our donors themselves may be struggling. We appreciate all that this community does to help us provide a quality, safe environment so that these children can find ‘Hope in their Future’.”

Businesses and individuals alike are welcome to take part in a Season of Giving for the Gwinnett Children’s Shelter. If you or someone you know would like to make a donation, please send your tax-deductible contribution to:

Gwinnett Children’s Shelter
P.O. Box 527
Buford, GA 30515
Attn: Holiday Giving

The Gwinnett Children’s Shelter is an accredited, private non-profit Emergency and Long-term Care Agency for adolescent-aged boys and girls who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. The 501(c)3 organization has been in operation for over 23 years, during which over 6,000 youth have been provided vital residential and counseling care. The Shelter is located on a beautiful 40-acre campus in North Gwinnett County and serves as home to over 200 local youth each year – as many as 32 children at any given time. To learn more about Gwinnett Children's Shelter, please visit them online at www.gwinnettchildrenshelter.org.

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