Gem State Special Ops Called Up for Christmas Duty

The buzz of excitement hung in the air as the Gem State Adventist Academy Rangers prepared to load the bus for yet another special operation, this time to help with last minute gift-wrapping at the Nampa Lighthouse Rescue Mission.

The Rangers are students who want to share their faith and help others through hard work and hands-on projects. The Rangers sign up voluntarily and are called up at a moment's notice. Rangers that are out of classes at the times needed are called up first.

Julia Dawson, a sophomore Ranger, said, “It was fun to wrap gifts for kids who wouldn’t otherwise have had a Christmas. That’s what the Rangers are all about.”

The Rangers are also helping Habitat for Humanity build a house. Different groups of kids have spent time helping with landscaping and other projects as needed.

“We’re excited and proud to have students who care about the community around them and are willing to serve, said Mike Schwartz, Gem State principal. "The Rangers are a great bunch of kids.”

Featured in: February 2004

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