The holidays are a perfect time for students to give back to those who are less fortunate. Students who give back learn that the holidays are not just about receiving but also about giving.
A common way to give back during the holidays is to make a meal for people in need. In some cases, students go to the grocery store, purchase ingredients, make a meal and then personally deliver it. Students can also volunteer at homeless shelters helping to prepare food or helping to serve meals. At a nearby homeless shelter called Stepping Stone, students can prepare and provide meals.
Stepping Stones is located at 1070 Copperstone Court. It provides short term housing to homeless families in the community. It is a place where families who are in need of food, shelter and warmth are welcome.
Another way to give back right at school is through a drive the Wootton Helping Hands club conducts. Students can donate winter clothing and canned food. All donations go to South Lake Elementary School. The Wellness Warrior Club opportunities for students to give back. They are sponsoring a food drive that benefits Bethesda Cares. The drive collects canned food, boxed food, bottled water, instant oatmeal, granola bars and more.
Students who are in the National Honors Society (NHS) will be involved in running a toy drive, coat drive, holiday card making and letter writing effort. “We’ll be holding a toy drive, making holiday cards, writing letters and a lot more. It warms my heart to see people giving back to the community,” NHS co president senior Osagie Aimiuwu said.
Students can give back to the community by adopting a family for the holidays. There are multiple organizations that help students get matched with a family in need and provides a list of suggested items to purchase.
One local organization is called Adopt-A-Family. They match people with families in D.C to provide toys, clothing and gift cards for the children and families in the program.
Another organization students can get involved with that helps support families in this area is KINDH (Kids in Need During Holidays), which is a non profit that has been doing this for over 15 years. “Each year my family adopts a child and we buy them gifts based on what they need and want,” junior Jamie Morris said.
