At Christmas time, people are often reminded of Acts 20:35 from the Bible, and Gateway Education Center middle school students recently discovered the truth behind the passage.

The scripture reads, “In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

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During strategic planning earlier this year, a Gateway teacher said they could use some mentors for the alternative school’s middle school students, according to Lori Tilden-Geiger, executive assistant to Warsaw Community Schools Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert.

Four women decided to step up and serve as mentors to the students during lunch.

The mentors talked to the students about service projects, and that led the students to give Christmas gifts to Gateway elementary students.

Last week, the middle schoolers picked the appropriate gifts for the elementary kids, wrapped them and put their names on them; they planned to give the presents to the students at 2 p.m. Friday.

One middle school student said wrapping presents made them happy instead of being depressed as they usually are.

Because the middle school students were so good in thinking about others, the mentors decided to surprise them with gifts of their own. The gifts were based on their interests and personalities, and ranged from journals and watches to art supplies. Those were given to the students shortly before noon Friday.

Then, Margie Dobler, the Gateway middle school teacher, was surprised with a gift from her students.