As the holiday season approaches, WJ is once again showing its commitment to charity work. This year, students, teachers and clubs are hosting several charity drives. These aim to support families in need and to spread holiday cheer.
“It feels really good to think that you’ve helped to make someone’s day a little happier,” social studies teacher Allison Hoefling said.
One of the largest and longest running programs is the WJ Holiday Gift Giving Program, run by Hoefling and AP U.S History teacher Katherine Simmons. The program traces back decades to former health teacher Kathy Carey, who launched it through Key Club.
This program collects gifts for children and teens who have been placed into foster care because of abuse.
“We have always given to Child Welfare Services of Montgomery County. In fact, WJ is the second largest donor to their gift giving program,” Simmons said.
This year the drive will be donating gift cards and presents which the case workers will use to “shop” for teens to fulfill their wishlists.
“Lots of people around the county help with this initiative but here at WJ, our focus is on the teens that need gifts,” Hoeffling said.
The generosity of the school has played out time and time again, year after year.
“If you have the ability to give back, it makes a real positive difference for families who are struggling,” Simmons said.
Beyond gift donations, students are stepping up to help address winter clothing needs. The Small Things Matter club is organizing a Winter Coat Drive. Led by seniors Macie Redmond and Evie Avillo, this winter they are collecting new or gently used coasts for families facing the cold weather this year. Warm clothing can make a huge difference, especially for those who really need it.
“So many people just have clothes lying around that they don’t use anymore,” Redmond said. “It’s easier to donate something you already have than to buy something new.”
For the officers of this club, the drive is more than just collecting winter clothing, it is about awareness.
“People don’t realize how lucky we are to live in such a nice area and go to such a great school when there are people struggling to get by every day,” Redmond said.
Food insecurity is another important factor being addressed this holiday season. The Food4All Club led by senior Abby Bruskin and junior Hanna Vernenkar partnered with the Capital Area Food Bank and focuses on collecting canned goods and other non-parishable food items.
“Addressing food insecurity is more important than ever now as affording food is getting increasingly difficult for many families, Bruskin said.”
From coats to canned goods and holiday gifts, these drives reflect . As students and staff contribute what they can, they’re reminded that anything can help.
“Even the smallest act of kindness can change someone’s entire season,” Hoefling said.
The holidays are a time when charitable organizations are particularly active, helping those in need, spreading holiday cheer.
