'Without the angst of hunger'

In 1980, Karen Everett was a substitute teacher at Pioneer School when her husband died, leaving her to raise their two children ages 3 and 9.

Pioneer students conducted a food drive for Everett for the three and staff gave her money to help her through the tough times.

"I'm sure it changed us forever," Everett said. "Pioneer School became like a family."

She added, "It was unheard of to have so much generosity shown to someone who wasn't really a full staff member."

Everett became a full-time staff member the next fall and the school's Christmas Giving Project continues. On Thursday, the now...