By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Several community volunteers make a small effort that can make a big difference in the lives of Peabody-Burns elementary students.

Monday through Thursday, volunteers greet students at the door of the school, giving a smile or a hug to the students to start their day the right way.

Juanita Richstatter, school secretary, said she loves seeing the students get those greetings before school.

“It’s a little more kindness out there,” Richstatter said. “I see so much sadness in the kids, I think that really makes a difference in their lives.”

Sometimes all it takes is a hug to turn the child’s day around and make things better, Richstatter said.

The effort was originated by Peabody United Methodist Church.

Pastor Angela DeFisher and a handful of women of the church began greeting the children about a month ago.

“How it came about is, one of the community meetings I was at last year, Mr. Traxson was at,” DeFisher said. “He mentioned this happening at another community and he’d really like to see this happen in Peabody.”

There are five community volunteers and more are being sought, especially since no volunteers are able to come on Friday, DeFisher said.

“It’s a positive way to start the day and to help their kids start their day as well,” DeFisher said. “It’s a way to let the kids know that more than their family and their teachers care about them. It lets them know the community cares about them, too.”

Greeters arrive at 7:25 a.m. and stay until 7:55 a.m. More information on volunteering is available by calling the elementary school at (620) 983-2188, or DeFisher at (620) 983-2154.