News Brief: School organizations volunteer this holiday season

Thanksgiving and Christmas are drawing near, and in light of the recent economic downturn, many families will need assistance with providing food for their families.  In order to help with the cause, numerous school organizations are getting involved in community service this holiday season. 

Recently, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) collected donations to help give less fortunate families in downtown Memphis a turkey dinner this Thanksgiving.  Thanks to everyone’s help and donations FCA was able to collect $1400 and give 25 families dinner.

Volunteers from the Key Club recently worked at Shelby Farms to set up for Starry Nights, a Christmas light exhibit.  Hayrides are available for those who want to view the lights, or they can drive through in their own car.  Key Clubbers will also work the actual event, which benefits Shelby Farms Park.  Starry Nights begins November 27 and ends January 2; tickets are $25 per car, $35 for shuttles, $50 for minibuses, and $150 for motor coaches.

The Enchanted Forest, another event for Key Club volunteers, features gingerbread houses, peppermint houses, Christmas trees, and animated animals at the Pink Palace Museum; at the end there sits jolly old Saint Nicholas, with whom children can take pictures.  All of the proceeds go to Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center.  The Enchanted Forest will be open from 9-5 p.m. on Nov. 27 and will continue through Dec. 24. Admission will be $5 for adults and $4 for senior citizens (60 and up) and children (3-12).  Pictures with Santa will cost $10.

Every year, the Student Council Association manages the Bellamy Basket Philanthropy Project, encouraging clubs and classes to put together baskets filled with household necessities for 20-25 needy families who will receive them in December.

A list of required items for these baskets is available in the guidance office.  Interested clubs and classed need to turn their baskets and lists in to Mrs. Pesce or Ms. Igielinski in the guidance office by Dec. 2.  SCA asks clubs not to wrap their baskets.

From now until Dec. 4, the Band Boosters are collecting new, unwrapped toys for all ages for the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.  Anyone interested in donating toys should place them in the designated box in the main office.  All help and donations are welcome and are greatly appreciated. 

Helping out by either giving donations or volunteering for a holiday event, such as the Enchanted Forest, will help make everyone’s holidays better and more enjoyable.