By Erica Lang, LaPorte High School Hi-Times writer
With the holiday season here, the staff and students of LaPorte High School are working hard to help those in need. Many clubs have taken the initiative to help families around the community have a more enjoyable holiday season.
Author Erica Lang
Several mentor groups, STAND Club, Student Council, Girl Reserves, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Leo Club are all going out of their way to better the community this season.
STAND club is selling Sour Punch straws to raise money for various charities.
Another club showing kindness to those in need is Student Council. Its members, along with many other LPHS students, are ringing bells to help raise money for the Salvation Army.
“I love serving my community and knowing I am giving back in some small way,” said Student Council member Hannah Addie.
Even though Girl Reserves members volunteer year-round, they are trying extra hard during the holidays to make a difference. This year they are participating in Operation Christmas Child. The project requires the girls to fill shoeboxes with the wants and necessities of children in need. The boxes are then sent to the Operation Christmas Child base in North Carolina, and will be sent out to needy children for a Christmas surprise. GR also took part in Adopt-A-Family. They have adopted four families this year.
“During the holiday season, I bring in canned food for families for Thanksgiving. We also participate in Operation Christmas Child,” said cabinet member Danielle Plank. “When I help the community it makes me feel greatly accomplished.”
Fellowship of Christian Athletes is also showing its compassion this holiday season. The student athletes reached their goal of stuffing 15 boxes to donate to Operation Christmas Child.
“It makes me feel really great to know that I have helped 15 kids have a better Christmas this year. I’m really proud of this group for reaching our goal of 15 boxes,” FCA member Rachel Null said.
Operation Christmas Child is one of several charities that LPHS students are working for this holiday season.
The Leo Club participated in Project Warm Child, which gathers donated coats, gloves and hats for kids, and is ringing bells for the Salvation Army.
The French Club is giving back by donating turkeys to the Ruth Sabin Home.
Multiple mentor groups are finding ways to give back to the community. Mrs. Rosenbaum’s students are showing their appreciation to veterans by writing letters to residents of the Indiana Veterans Home. Mrs. Ridley’s group is selling candy, and all proceeds will go to the Salvation Army. Last year, her group raised $100. In addition to selling candy, Mrs. Ridley’s group is writing letters from Santa to be sent to area children.
All proceeds from the Dec. 4 LPHS holiday concert were donated to the food pantry.
Volunteering and completing community service is a vital part of living in a successful community. There are ways to help out all year round, not just during the holidays. Make sure to help out when possible.
EDITOR’S NOTE: WNLP is proud to occasionally feature the work of students in LPHS journalism teacher Angela Saoud’s class.
Mike Kellems — December 7, 2011 @ 8:17 am
You don’t have to look very far to see the many, many great things that go on in our schools and in our community… I continue to be amazed at the efforts of our students! I remain very proud of those that continually strive to help make our community a better place to live.
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