As many children prepare to set out plates of homemade cookies for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, a group of third and fourth grade students at Pablo Elementary School preempted the holiday spirit by delivering trays of the tasty treats to some everyday heroes.

On Friday, members of the school’s People Representing Intelligence and Demonstrating Excellence, or PRIDE, club, trudged through snow-covered sidewalks to deliver cookies to employees of neighboring Mission Valley Power, Pablo Family Foods and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Police.

Club creator and Pablo first grade teacher Niki Buck said the students provided all the treats themselves.

“I didn’t have to do a thing,” she said.

Third grader Haven Houle carried a tray of homemade caramel and mint cookies. She said it was fun to leave school and deliver the snacks with her classmates.

“I feel proud,” she said.

The club, composed of exemplary students who demonstrate good behavior and scholastic skills, has been busy this holiday season. Aside from delivering cookies, they were also tasked with collecting 500 food items for donation to the Ronan Bread Basket. As of Friday afternoon, the PRIDE club had collected 629 items.

In addition to charity, another Christmas virtue was also on display at the cookie delivery. As the occasional snack dropped slipped from a student’s plate during the walk, a trailing club member instantly snatched it up.

“At least they don’t go to waste,” Buck said.