WESTFIELD — Giving is not just about a donation; it is about making a difference in one’s community and putting a smile on someone else’s face. With the arrival of gift-giving season, fifth-grade students in Ann McDonough’s classroom at McKinley Elementary School worked hard to make and create thoughtful gifts for Westfield senior citizens who are part of Lifelong Westfield, an initiative that allows seniors to “age in place” through multiple activities and services.

Mrs. McDonough and her students wanted to put smiles on local seniors’ faces this holiday season. The students made beverage coasters with inspirational quotes that were meaningful to them, along with handmade paper ornaments. Through this project, students learned that giving a small homemade gift can be a way of expressing gratitude and that showing kindness to others in one’s community is just as important as giving to their family and friends.

While making these gifts, the class discussed the importance of giving. Although the students do not know the seniors who would receive their gifts, they know that their small act of kindness is an expression of gratitude and thoughtfulness.

Parents of the students expressed gratitude to Mrs. McDonough for teaching the youngsters how to be selfless and generous for the sake of making others happy and putting a smile on the face of an older adult.