A season of love, appreciation, and helping those in need has increased humanitarian spirit among several in the community. A time that rises during the winter holidays has earned the smiles of children in society. Based on the information obtained from ‘Spirit of Giving,’ an organization aimed at helping those in need, schools have contributed by donating to charity. 

Academic clubs have aided in teaching kids moral values. Different activities have been created through those clubs and are being used to display students’ benevolent attitude toward the less fortunate. Christopher Do, current president of Key Club, along with other members, has impacted the neighborhood by sacrificing time and offering service.

“Part of us exemplifies the spirit of giving through what we do, which is service. Our members go out and they volunteer,” Do said.  “They give their time and give items through donations, to give back to our community and give to those that are less fortunate. We try to elevate our community as a whole.”

The feeling of happiness comes when a person receives a present as it puts a smile on their face. Giving on the other hand brings a feeling of satisfaction, serenity, and joy. It creates an emotional connection along with a sense of fulfillment between the receiver and the giver. Madison Singleton, the StuCo treasurer gets very delighted whenever she volunteers because she knows she has placed laughter in the mouth of someone out there.

 “I feel very happy and blessed that I could be able to reciprocate this behavior. It makes me feel satisfied and proud knowing that someone out there has a smile on their face,” Singleton said. “I may not have enough, but I give my time and things as an appreciation to God.”

Helping others doesn’t have to be directed towards the needy.  At times, students also need help in ways. Sometimes family and academic problems could weigh a child down mentally. Hope Squad’s president, Danielle Alvarado, devised a way to help and support her peers with love and affection.  

“Hope squad is like giving in our school. We help our peers emotionally and psychologically. We put up words of encouragement that could boost a student’s mental state,” Alvarado said. “We’re here to help others.”

Parents play a role in raising their children with the right principled values. The upbringing of these students has shaped their character and thoughts. StuCo Historian Ivette Flores has been taught by her parents the importance of kindness.

“The way I was raised my parents have always taught me and made it an important aspect of my upbringing that I give back to others,” Flores said “They’ve always taught me that when you have more than others, you should be giving back and helping those who don’t have.”

As December comes by, the rate of hospitality increases, waking up the season’s spirit. School and parents have more influence on a child’s development, thereby giving them the advantage of enlightening the kids on the value and importance of generosity. It doesn’t have to be toward the less privileged, sometimes it could be directed at students. To both parties, it brings gratification and pleasure.