Earlier this month I had an opportunity to attend the Community Club party at Kenmore West High School. It is an event my family has attended since my oldest was born and the ninth year was just as fabulous as the first! This event brings together families in need and families of faculty for a fun-filled day of crafts, games and food. This year I had a chance to sit back and truly appreciate what makes this day so special.

 

First, families are getting to spend time doing things together. So often at home there is laundry to be done and dishes to wash that we don't get to sit and simply hang out with our kids. I saw parents sitting and talking with their children, looking them in their eyes, happy smiling eyes! In addition to the activities, they get a box of cookies with goodies to decorate with each other. The families in need also get to meet Santa and receive a bag of presents. For many families, these will be the only gifts the kids receive for the holidays.

 

So how does this all come together? It is our very own community! The students seek donations from our giving friends to fuel the program; they serve food, run the craft stations and game areas in the gym. This year because of one student's hard work, there were also free books to give out. If you look closely enough, you will also see the Club advisors running about to make sure things are going smoothly. This program is a well-oiled machine but most importantly it highlights the important things about this season: family, quality time, joy, fellowship, hope, generosity and love.  

 

This is just one program of many like this throughout our district. We are blessed to live in a place where ALL of our schools engage in such activities. Between holiday events, toy bins, coat drives, pajama collections, and food donations you will see our community coming together to celebrate the true spirit of the season!