BANGOR – The Bangor YMCA promotes the four YMCA character values of caring, respect, responsibility and honesty in all programs. This season, children in the Bangor YMCA Preschool program learned more about the importance of caring for others.

Linda Caler, a teacher in the Bangor YMCA Preschool program, decided to do a project about the importance of the holidays with her class when she heard the children making grand lists of all the things they wanted this season. It seemed the opportune time to teach them about those in need, she said.

Caler began around Thanksgiving by discussing the meaning of the holidays to various individuals.

The children talked about differences – differences in family makeup, race, culture and religion. They discussed the importance of understanding and respect regarding differences and celebrated that all these differences make a wonderful whole.

The class spun a dreidel to celebrate Hanukkah and made crafts significant to Christmas. On Wednesday, Dec. 19, each pupil wrapped a gift their families had brought to give to someone less fortunate than themselves.

Caler told the children that there were many other children and families who won’t have anything this holiday season, and that their thoughts and gifts would help make someone else happy this holiday season.

“There was a great feeling in the room,” she said as the children wrapped the gifts. “We all felt good. The kids were all smiles and they realized this is an important thing to do.”