As December approaches, the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season is upon us. This year, many HHS clubs are giving back to the community in various ways.

One charitable event was the Escape Room and Food Drive, hosted by the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). The Escape Room was largely successful, as more than 50 students participated. Students gathered in groups of up to five for the event, and once it was their group’s allotted time, they ran through an exhilarating experience through the halls and rooms of HHS. The winning group, which consisted of Tyler Dodson, Jack Parrish, Chris Banks, Liam McGill, Holdyn Westberry, and Braden Davis, completed the task two minutes faster than any other group. Most importantly, the event collected donations for the Herrin Community Food Pantry. Each group was required to donate fifteen cans instead of a monetary entry fee.

Mrs. Webb, FBLA Sponsor, stated: “The students who participate understand the importance of helping the community and that small groups like us can make a difference.”

Looking to the Christmas season, Mrs. Webb said: “This is an important time of the year when many families need food on the table, and it means more to me and all of FBLA.”

FBLA member and escape room helper Nolen Frost (10) said that he thoroughly enjoyed the project, but more importantly, “It helps people in need, and it helps show a sense of community.”  Frost got to help deliver the donations to the food pantry, and he adds that events like this get to showcase “the good that HHS clubs do for the community.”

HOSA welcomed the season of giving in a unique way this year. Members gathered in Ms. Ohm’s class one day to make blankets for two important causes. The Christmas blankets they made will go to Parkway Manor, a local nursing home. The other blankets will be sent to the Children’s Hospital in Springfield, IL. This is the first year that the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) has put on this project, which was a success in the eyes of everyone involved. Some HOSA members even had the opportunity to deliver the blankets to the residents of Parkway Manor in person, creating an emotional moment that will be remembered for years to come. 

HOSA sponsor Ms. Ohms described the significance of where the blankets were distributed, saying, “We decided to give them to children and the elderly, two groups that need to know that they are loved, appreciated, and supported, especially around Christmas”. 

One HOSA member who participated in the project was Ava Leifer (11), who said, “Knowing you’re (HOSA) helping a group of people brings a feeling of joy, and it personally makes me happy to see the impact our project had on the community.”

Continuing the theme of giving, Tigers 4 Life made a contribution to the community by assembling Blessing Bags for expectant mothers in the community. The Blessing Bags included a handwritten letter of encouragement and love for the mom-to-be and a card that features various pregnancy resources. In addition, these main items were accompanied by small gifts of appreciation such as mints, lip balm, and scrunchies. The group made a total of thirty bags, all of which will be donated to Clarity Women’s Care, a local pregnancy center. While this is the first year that Tigers 4 Life has made these bags, the group wants to continue making them in the future.

Tigers 4 Life student co-sponsor Joella Brimm (12) relayed the importance of this project, saying, “The Blessing Bags allowed us to put our efforts in a place where people can be offered assistance and help. It also allows the women receiving these to know that they are loved and that they have groups around them that want to help.” 

Tigers 4 Life member Sam Jolliff (11) was glad to collect the items and put the bags together. He observes, “Events like this contribute to helping people not feel isolated, and since Christmas is about being together, it’s a perfect time to show love to expectant mothers and support them for years to come.”

Student Government also put together a charitable event: the annual Christmas shopping trip. The group is given a list of names from Northside Primary School as well as the student’s clothing sizes, needs, and interests. Then, on the morning of Saturday, November 23, members met at the Marion Walmart, and in groups, got to pick out the items and spend up to $150 per child. Once the gifts were all ready to go, the Northside Social Worker picked them up and gave them to the parents, who then would get to give their kids presents for Christmas. 

Student Government Sponsor Ms. Bonifield explained, “This event started by picking someone from the angel tree in town, but we decided to make it more personal. The students enjoy it, and it’s fun for them to contribute to a good cause.”  

Ms. Bonifield went on to explain this event spreads the Christmas spirit.  “It allows Student Government members to keep everything in perspective, like when they see a kid’s top request is new socks or underwear, it keeps students in the mood of giving,” she said.  

First-time participant and Student Government member Luke McCluskie (12) was very grateful to be a part of this event, eagerly exclaiming, “This event showed how we can give back.  It truly is better to give than to get.”

The last group that organized a Christmas-related activity was Rotary, which gathered during an advisory period to make Christmas cards to show appreciation and love to the recipients. A group of about 20 members utilized various art supplies and made 75 unique and creative Christmas cards for the Fire Department (including delivery of Christmas cookies), Police Department, and office workers. 

Rotary Club Vice-President Isabella Ratchford (11) described the event as “extremely popular.” Ratchford elaborated on her statement by saying, “A few people who participated came up to me and said they enjoyed it. This event was a way for [Rotary] to show our appreciation for those out in the community that already do so much for us.”  Rotary member Shayla Hall (11) helped make the cards and said, “It’s nice to know we can all help in some way and doing this allows us to help others.”

The Christmas season is a wonderful time to give back to our community. While we are out of school for Christmas break, it is a perfect opportunity to pass on some Christmas cheer this season. Whether that means collecting items, volunteering, or making gifts, they all contribute to the efforts of bringing joy to those in need while keeping the tradition of Herrin Hometown pride and service.