Santa Cruz School receives Book Vending Machine from Christ Child Society

By Carissa Krautscheid

While members of the National Christ Child Society gathered in Tucson from across the country for their annual Convention, they visited Santa Cruz Catholic School for the ribbon cutting and dedication of a new Book Vending Machine donated by the Tucson Chapter of the Christ Child Society.

Theresa Dolan Dixon, the new Principal of Santa Cruz, led the dedication with a prayer. “Bless these books and grant that all who use them grow in wisdom and grace before you and your people.”

“The Book Machine is wonderful!” said Principal Dolan Dixon. “It’s a blessing and has sparked a lot of curiosity from our students.”

How does a Book Vending Machine work? Each teacher sets their own classroom goal for students to earn tokens. Some classes have a reading goal while others have a grade goal. Some students with individual learning needs have their own individual goal. “We’re really giving the teachers the power in setting the goal and giving the tokens to the students,” the principal explained. “Then the students come choose a book from the Machine. The book is theirs to keep forever, though they can share the book if they want. We’re providing our students with something that they might not have. It’s an exciting time. We are encouraging lots of reading at Santa Cruz!”

The Tucson Chapter of the Christ Child Society has supported Santa Cruz Catholic School in the past as well, having previously fundraised for Chromebooks and a new Science Lab.

Angela Schneider was just named the National Board President but has led the Tucson Chapter for the past few years. “I want to thank Santa Cruz for being so open. It was God’s plan that the Book Vending Machine ended up here. I’m happy that all the children will be able to benefit from it, from the Christ Child Society.”

“Thank you, from the national level all the way down to the local level, for all that you’ve done to make this possible for our students,” said Mrs. Dolan Dixon. “The local chapter has committed to provide funds for replenishing the books throughout the years. This will continue to be a great thing because of the work that you’ve done here. I thank you immensely for that.”

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