Bulldogs are showcasing their generosity with many different schoolwide organizations hosting drives to give back to those in need this upcoming holiday season.
The school has a long tradition of doing various drives for the gift giving season. Clubs and organizations like DECA, Black Student Union (BSU), Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and Pawsitive Paws are all hosting drives to assist the local community. These projects exemplify how students are working to make a difference within the building and across Loudoun County.
DECA officers Alex Andos, Nick Azari, and Jackson Ward are this year’s project leaders for the annual DECA Toy Drive that donates toys through Toys for Tots. Students had the opportunity to donate up until Dec. 3 so that gifts could arrive at children’s homes in time for the holidays.
“The toy drive helps connect people in our community to people in need in our community,” Andos said. “Parent liaisons reach out to ask for toys that [people in need] want, and we help collect those toys through feeder schools.”
Although the toy drive is for a DECA competition, the project is meaningful to the officers. By donating various toys, DECA leaders hope to truly help those who are having a hard time during the holidays.
“We collect those toys to fulfill someone’s holiday wants and needs in gifts and presents,” Andos said. “It helps positively affect the community by helping these kids enjoy their Christmas and other holidays that they celebrate by getting things they wouldn’t otherwise get.”
Students are doing more than just providing toys for kids, however; BSU has an annual tradition of hosting a Kitchen Kit Drive right before Thanksgiving break to collect utensils, dishes, and cleaning materials.
“People always think about giving the food, but what about the person who doesn’t have a sponge, dish clothes, or a can opener?” BSU sponsor Carla Davis said. “Giving someone a can without a can opener doesn’t do any good.”
Key Club was also hosting a Thanksgiving drive to collect pre-packaged and canned foods, so BSU and Key Club worked together to provide people with food and utensils. These kits were easily accessible for whoever needed them in the area.
“The food goes to a food bank on site that people can go to so that they can get what they need,” Ms. Davis said. ‘“We are really proud of the work we are doing in the community.”
Four-footed friends are also benefiting this season from student organizations. Pawsitive Paws, led by Cara King, and FBLA, led by Nishita Kashyaap are hosting a drive to help underprivileged animals by supplying them with necessary food and treat items.
“We want to make animals that do not have homes yet more comfortable,” senior Cara King said. “If we give them toys they can be happier, which will benefit them throughout their adoption.”
Pawsitive Paws is very proactive and productive in sending out donated toys, food, and grooming equipment for pets. King has made sure that the club is having a genuine impact on the nearby community.
“We donate it to LCAS (Loudoun County Animal Shelter),” King said. “Because they are the largest local animal shelter.”
Bulldogs are directly contributing to the spread of positivity and kindness during the time of year that people need help the most. All of the donation bins are located right as students walk into the school, allowing anyone to drop off their donations throughout the whole month for the drives that are still accepting items.
“[The toy drive] helps connect the community more,” Andos said. “These people that are donating could be getting a toy for their neighbors or friends.”
