In addition to learning the trade, they’ve been using materials donated from local industry to manufacture their own Christmas presents.

They’re also playing Santa for some students at Warren Area Elementary Center.

Welding instructor Nate McNett said he and his wife, Missy, a guidance counselor at WAEC, started a secret Santa program between his classroom and the students she was working with.

This marks the third year of the effort.

Students in the welding course made some of their own Christmas presents this year from materials donated to the WCCC by local industry.

“The students and I wanted to help out with kids who needed some help at Christmas time,” he said.

“We identify children that are in need through a needs assessment paper that we do or teacher recommendation,” Missy McNett explained. “We keep everything confidential.”

The parents provided information to the school to help the secret Santas find appropriate gifts – boy or girl, grade, size, and interests.

The welding students then went out and picked up items that matched.

“I want to teach them to give back and help those in need,” Nate McNett said.