By Taylor Barnhill - bio | email | Twitter
COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - It's the season of giving and the perfect opportunity for parents to show their children the importance of helping others.
When the school start times in Muscogee County changed this year, one mother faced the question -- what do I do with my middle school student? She found the perfect solution in the form of a teachable moment.
"I had an hour to spare with him and I said, let's see what we can do at the school," explained Itzel Berdecia, a parent volunteer for Hannan Academy
That's when the media specialist at Hannan Academy, Linda Barber, put her to work, "Miss Berdecia has gone above the call of duty. It is invaluable. The time she's in here is the time I can devote to other things I need to be doing. She handles things I would otherwise have to sit up here and do."
Her children, who are in Kindergarten and 2nd grade, come into the library and help out in their free time too.
Jonathan and Joanna Berdecia told News Leader Nine, "We go to school in the morning and she helps in the morning. She helps Miss Barbara with the books. She puts the books up."
Itzel Berdecia added, "To me it's fun and a way to help the school."
And her children say they are learning the importance of giving back to the community, "People can get them [books] and read them because if they all get mixed up no one can find them."
Berdecia added, "It's a great experience and you learn about the community - what's needed, how you can help other people without giving money. You can help by volunteering your time."
Another lesson the kids are learning is the importance of reading. Their mom helps them check books out from the library and takes time to teach them to read other levels.
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