NHS Food Drive:
The NHS held a food drive, ending on Dec. 21, that benefited the Unionville Methodist Church. They collected nonperishable food items and toiletries.
“We collected shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, soap, etc. So far we don’t have much. Most AAPs have contributed nothing. We are focusing on this, hoping to fill a truck. We always try to help the community around the holidays. We feel distressed that some don’t have enough at this time. I am sorry that we don’t get more donations. We don’t expect anything except to help those in need,” NHS Sponsor KC Hastings said during the food drive.
The food drive raised 176 cans total from the AAPs that participated. There were also 21 bags that were donated to this food drive by Mr. Nate Langelli’s church, which were not counted with his AAP. The winners of the drive were Mr. Aaron Fitzpatrick’s AAP, who accumulated 42 cans, and Ms. Andrea Niedbala’s AAP, who came up with 29 cans.

Holiday Dream Drive at ES and MS:
Beaver County Teen Leadership Committee (BCTLC) gave presents to a hundred families in the Freedom, Ambridge and Quaker Valley area. The leader of this committee, Jeremy Angus, worked alongside with FHS representatives junior Lexi Halvin, senior Hannah Shumsky and junior Rachel DeCesaris on this project. To collect donations, the committee held a “Stuff a Bus” drive at the Economy Walmart on Dec. 3-4 and 10-11. The donations lasted until Friday, Dec. 16. After that, the committee wrapped the presents and delivered the presents to unknowing families.
“Life can get super busy and we often times lose track of what is important, especially around the holidays. Helping the community in this way makes me feel like I have a purpose and it’s amazing to know that just a little bit of your time can make such a huge impact,” Halvin said. “I expect myself and others to carry with them a new found love for giving back. I would love for them to now have an everlasting love for helping over because that’s what I have walked away with this far.”

Blood Drive:
On Dec. 15, senior Olivia Donohue hosted a blood drive. This blood is going to hospitals in need and her goal for sign ups are 40-50 people to donate blood.
“I feel great. So many people are in need of the blood everyone can provide.” Donohue said, who was unable to donate since she recently traveled out of the country.
Donohue hoped that the participants helped others in need as a result of the drive.

Yellow Ribbons:
In December, FHS students signed Christmas cards for soldiers that are not coming home for the holiday season. FHS sent approximately 600 cards. Along with the cards, they gathered and sent gift cards and “packages of goodies.”
“I am a community person, and anything I could do to help someone else makes the volunteering all worthwhile. Giving to someone else is the best feeling in the world. I encourage everyone to try it; it’s a great feeling making others happy. I know what I get out of giving to others. My goal was for the students at Freedom to have that same feeling. Giving to make others happy is the best feeling and to remember our soldiers are here for them,” Ms. Ellen Hill said.