The Spirit of the Season is Alive and Well at Western!

The Western Pest Services team is helping to spread the joy this holiday season by collecting gifts for 8 students and their families from the Academia Antonia Alonso Charter School in Newark, DE. Academia Antonia Alonso is a public dual language charter school that nurtures bilingual, biliterate, and multicultural children. Founded in 2014 with a vision for innovative child-centered and family-oriented education, La Academia has grown into a thriving community that provides English and Spanish immersion from kindergarten to 5th grade. At the heart of La Academia is the mission to cultivate joy in learning. So, we decided to help with that joy!

The eight students and their families were divided among the branches to make sure the joy could be spread out evenly. The ages of the children ranged from 6 to 11, so there were many kinds of gifts they were wishing for. The branches were surprised that it was more than Legos and Play-Doh, though. Many asked for everyday items like plates, pots and pans, diapers, and wipes. Many of the kids even asked for gifts for siblings. It was humbling to read. While it makes their hearts happy to help, it also makes their hearts heavy knowing there are so many more families and children out there like them.

The branches came together in a big way. Whether it was art supplies, a baby doll, a soccer ball, or just some warm blankets, the branches collected almost 50 items to place under these kids’ trees. Their hope is that not only will they help make Christmas day full of joy, but it may take the burden off the parents for a while and allow them to take a breath for a moment. That’s the best gift of all.

The branches took their jobs very seriously and showed up overflowing with not just gifts, but also with holiday spirit. It was almost as if Santa himself made an appearance! But instead, it was Sean Landers, regional sales manager, dropping off all the gifts the branches collected to the charter school’s Dean of Equity, Inclusion and Access, Alejandra Navarro-Benbow.

Thank you to the Western team for helping to make a few children’s Christmas merry and bright.