Shelton Valley Christian School is dedicated to educating tomorrow's Christian leaders in academic excellence and active service.

Judy McCain and Kelli Sterling, teachers, with Eileen States, school parent, organize service events once or twice a month.

For example, students brought candy kisses to garbage collectors, hospital employees and firemen to say "thank you." Another time students participated in a fundraiser for the local homeless shelter and assembled care packages for nursing home residents.

A favorite annual activity is helping gather toys, school supplies and personal hygiene products for Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan's Purse that helps children in third-world countries. Last Christmas, 21 students put together 63 boxes.

These activities, say educators and parents, show students they do not need to wait until they are grown up to be "God's hands to serve the needs of others."