By KAREN JAEN and KINSEY SEACORD
MARINES GIFT CHILDREN
Toys for Tots is an organization founded by the U.S. Marines. The organization is dedicated to give less fortunate children a gift for Christmas. The Marines want to make sure every child receives a gift on Christmas, regardless of the conditions his family is facing. After buying a toy, or finding a lightly used toy, one can leave it at any of the drop off locations Drop off locations are nationwide, look for donation boxes in local gas stations or grocery stores; the main office also has one. Monetary donations can be mailed or made online at www.toysfortots.org.
ORGANIZATION GIVE ESSENTIALS
Operation Christmas Child is another way to help, with various drop off locations around the country, including places such as the First Baptist Church of Orlando and YMCA centers. One can fill a shoebox with toiletries, toys or school supplies for children around the world. When filling the shoebox, one must determine the gender of the receiver and the age category of the child. When the shoebox is complete, visit www.samaritanspurse.org to print the specific label appropriate for a boy or girl. A $7 donation is appreciated to cover shipping costs. The list of the drop off locations can be found on the website.
GROUP SENDS GREETINGS
Bringing a project to Central Florida, the Second Harvest Food Bank has introduced the $25,000 Challenge. Radio celebrity Jim Philips has offered to donate an additional $1,000 if the Bank collects $25,000 before Christmas. Spare change and cash will be collected in teacher’s classrooms to go toward this project. Additionally, the organization has introduced the Holiday Gift Alternative Program. This allows people to donate $5 contributions, or more, and festive seasonal cards will be sent to friends, family and colleagues, letting them know a donation has been made on their behalf. To order a holiday card, visit foodbankcentralflorida.org.
CLUB COLLECTS GIFTS
If one is feeling inspired to “adopt” a needy atypical person for the holidays, see any Key Club member. The club is working with the Russell Home to collect items such as gift cards and DVDs for their residents. Volunteers and donors will wrap and deliver the presents for those who would otherwise receive nothing for the holidays. This project ensures stockings are stuffed and the seasonal spirit is spread to all who cannot afford it. Students can see Kelly Morales, Room 230, or contact Key Club officers to sign up for this project. Drop off donations can be arranged at russellhome.org.
PROJECTS HELPS HOMELESS
Homeless individuals are often thought about during the holidays and one local Orlando project caters to their needs: Project Good Tidings. According to the 60 Minutes “Hard Times Generation: Families Living in Cars,” one third of 98,452 homeless families live in Florida. Goodie bags of toiletries are created and distributed to the homeless in downtown Orlando and surrounding areas on Christmas. The Social Justice Club is aiding in collecting deodorant, toothbrushes, and other necessities. If one is looking to donate, collection boxes will be in specific teacher’s classes, like Cindy Schmidt’s, Room 851. To get involved contact Schmidt.
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