As the semester draws to an end and winter break quickly approaches, National Honor Society (NHS) concludes its annual Hope for the Holidays fundraiser with the collection of $10,450 in donations.

“While we didn’t quite reach our goal, we were still able to help 19 families this year and bring them the Christmas they deserve to have,” NHS President Michael Fish said.

This year’s NHS officers, lead representatives, and sponsor, Cerissa Johnson, went shopping for the counselor requested items for students in need on Monday, Dec. 10. The group partnered with both Kohl’s and Target, and made all of the needed purchases greatly beneficial and cost effective.

“Shopping for the presents was such a heartwarming experience. It makes my heart happy helping others in need,” Parliamentarian Lead Representative, Alexandria Quintana said. “It was also a fun bonding experience between the officers and lead reps.”

With the shopping completed and items collected, NHS members took the next step into the conclusion of the Hope for the Holidays fundraiser: wrapping all of the purchased gifts for families in need. At the Wrapping Party on Wednesday, Dec. 12, many NHS members came together and wrapped all of the presents, and ensured they were ready to be delivered in time for the holiday season.

“It was a really good way to collaborate with everyone while doing something good for the community [and] it was a fun way to spread Christmas spirit with our classmates,” NHS member, Kylie Sayre explained.

Finals, last minute present shopping, and holiday festivities makes for a busy time of the year and makes it hard to do much else. Hope for the Holiday’s is NHS’s way to give back to the less fortunate members of the community and also allow others to do the same without making their schedules even more complicated and busy.

“I’m thankful that we’re able to come together as a school to help our falcons and future falcons, and get them items that they can use both practically and for fun,” Fish said.