After dropping off donated items for the Holiday Fair—an event that allows Oakley students to “purchase” gifts for their families using school-issued tickets—the Catawba team fanned out across classrooms to share beloved seasonal tales and childhood favorites. Students listened with anticipation as faculty read Stellaluna, How to Catch a Turkey, The Polar Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs, Where the Wild Things Are, Owl Moon, and Bear Snores On.
In addition to the classroom story time, members of Catawba’s Student North Carolina Association of Educators (SNCAE) handwritten Christmas cards for Oakley Elementary teachers, delivering the notes as a warm expression of gratitude for the dedication and care shown by the school’s educators.
Oakley Elementary’s Holiday Fair is a treasured annual event for the Buncombe County school community. Catawba College’s continued involvement reflects its longstanding commitment to service, partnership, and the belief that good work—especially when shared—goes far. Last year, faculty and students from both the Goodman School of Education and the School of Health Sciences & Human Performance helped provide more than 2,000 gifts for the school following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. This year’s visit builds on that connection, offering joy, support, and encouragement during a special time of year.
Catawba College is proud to stand alongside Oakley Elementary as students, educators, and community partners work together to spread kindness throughout the season.
