Feeling down? Call a number and listen to pep talks from Alabama students

by Kalyn Dunkins

A holiday photo of Elizabeth Allen and her third grade class at University Charter School. (Photo: Elizabeth Allen)

Elizabeth Allen’s third grade class at University Charter School wanted to help those feeling down during the holiday season.

During a morning meeting, students expressed excitement over Christmas and all the things they couldn’t wait to do with their families. Allen then explained that this isn’t always the most wonderful time of the year for everyone.

“This really struck their attention. Many ‘why’ questions were asked about the topic,” Allen said. “After my students did some research, we all agreed it would be a great idea to bring some encouragement and happiness to others.”

Allen and her students created a hotline, (205) 652-1894, where callers can get a quick, pre-recorded pep talk from a third-grader.

The students researched the most common negative feelings some people experience during the holiday season, which they labeled as sadness (or being upset), anger, feeling overwhelmed, feeling worried or that they just needed some encouragement. The students broke up into five discussion groups and rehearsed what they would say to someone feeling any of those emotions.

“After much practicing voice control, the students were ready to be recorded,” Allen said.

The charter school is located inside a building on the University of West Alabama’s campus in Livingston.

Greg Egbert, the assistant director for network services in the Department of Information Technology at the University of West Alabama, helped set up the number and upload the audio.

“We are hoping that this number will reach people all over the world, but the students are just very excited to cheer people up this holiday season!” Allen said.

The phone number will be indefinitely available.

This story was originally written and published for AL.com.