As the season finally begins to change and the harsh winds are subduing the hot sun, the long-awaited welcome of fall is finally here. Here in California, you can expect the summer heat to drag on for what feels like forever and even creep into Halloween. Fortunately for us, the weather is finally beginning to cool down as we prepare for our upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. It is an underappreciated season that often gets overlooked because of its more joyful counterpart, Christmas. Thanksgiving is one of many things getting overlooked this time of year. Only some people are fortunate enough to buy the things they need to maintain good hygiene or enough food to feed their families. During this holiday season, it’s common to want to splurge on your loved ones, to have a Thanksgiving feast, or to not worry about being able to afford a new toothbrush. Our Stockton Scholars For Service Club wanted to amend this by doing a Thanksgiving Care Package Drive.
The President, Brenden Davis, of Stockton Scholars for Service Club, said the event is “to give back to those people who can’t afford Thanksgiving items.” The event gives away feminine products, hygiene products, and canned and boxed food. Students can donate these items to room 1214 in Mr. Ponte’s classroom or the Chick-fil-A in Stockton on W March Lane. Davis says they will donate these items to the food bank and homeless shelters, and ask anyone who looks like they’re struggling or in need if they would like one. They will stop accepting donations on November 22, 2024.
Why should you donate, though? Davis says, “It’s a good way to help our community, and if you donate ten or more items, you can get an hour of community service.” Any resident of Stockton is very aware of not only our homeless community being very prevalent, but also understanding the cost of living in California. So, any donation can make a difference; some people need to get better or help their families. They should take at least one thing off their plate so they won’t have to worry about it. Every donation counts and is greatly appreciated. Also, as Davis mentioned regarding community service, this is a great way to get your hours. You will receive 1 hour of community service for ten or more items you donate. Note that you do not get 1 hour per 10 items; you only get 1 hour once you hit or go past the 10-item donation. So, only 1 hour can be received regardless of how many items you donate after you hit ten items. Most seniors know that if you collect 100 hours of community service in your senior year, you’ll get a tassel as a reward. Most people don’t realize that you can get a cord for each year that you do 100 hours of community service. So, if having multiple cords is something you want, completing 100 hours of community service is one of the easiest ways to get them. Of course, 100 hours is a long time, so donating is a quick way to get that extra hour in without actually spending an hour. While one hour seems small, in the grand scheme of things, for your 100 hours of community service, it’ll be worth it. And remember, donating is not just about the hours, it’s about the sense of fulfillment you get from helping others and the opportunity to meet new people who share your values. Regardless, anyone who can afford to donate anything should seriously consider donating anything they can to help those in need.
