The School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) in the Socorro Independent School District and the El Paso Children’s Hospital conducted its 2nd annual Winter Wellness Land on Dec. 5 at the El Paso Community College Administrative Services Building.
Participants included 200 Eastlake feeder pattern elementary students who rotated among various stations where they made healthy snacks, created arts and crafts, played games, watched Christmas performances, and took photos with Santa.
Justine Famer, SISD PE/Health Facilitator and SHAC Coordinator, said the event was an excellent opportunity to showcase the district’s SHAC program and come together to teach students all about health and wellness.
“Seeing all the smiles and energy from the kids as they go through the stations brings the Christmas spirit,” Farmer said. “This is what the giving season is all about.”
Jasmine Medina, a second-grade student at Desert Wind School, said she enjoyed the various activities and meeting with Santa Claus.
“I got to tell him what I wanted for Christmas,” Medina said. “This was awesome and exciting and so much fun.”
Fourth-grade Mission Ridge Elementary School student Emiliano Hernandez said having a fun space to spend time with his friends was great.
“This is a pretty cool event,” Hernandez said. “I can’t wait to talk to Santa.”
Over 60 volunteers helped facilitate the event, which made it possible to provide the children with important and necessary items to keep them healthy and ensure their wellbeing.
“We are proud of El Paso Children’s Hospital’s continued partnership with the Socorro Independent School District,” said President and Chief Executive Offer of El Paso Children’s Hospital Cindy Stout. “The importance the hospital places on the well-being of all children is something we will continue in working with our community. The strength of this partnership has helped so many children throughout the school year, and we know it will continue for years to come.”
More than 7,000 donated items were distributed to students, including backpacks, reusable water bottles, hand sanitizer, and more. “The event was a huge success, and the students had a smile on their faces the entire time,” said SISD Coordinator of Sports Program and SHAC Coordinator Alexsia Tucker.