On Christmas Day, wide-eyed children with smiles full of cheer will eagerly open the gifts they wished for thanks to the National Junior Honor Society. NJHS worked with the Community Impact Organization to give presents to fifteen “angels” ages 2-18, including one family of seven. Without this program, these kids would not have a Christmas. NJHS collected $995 in donations.

“Thanks to everyone for the generous donations,” Mrs. Ray, Kimmons counselor, said. “The families are extremely grateful.”

NJHS members worked together to get their adopted angels gifts they deserve. Students like Naiely Araujo, 9th, enjoyed helping those who cannot have a Christmas.

“The benefits of the Community Secret Santa Program are that we can cure children’s hearts to replace that frown into a grin, filling them with abundance,” Naiely said.
These happy helpers enjoyed picking out presents for their special angels.

“The NHJS kids love to shop,” Ms. Putnam, NJHS co-sponsor, said. “We tried very hard to select kids who are the same age as they are which makes it easier to make purchases.”

The feeling of giving spread through the gift shoppers who also thought about the true meaning of the Community Secret Santa program.

“This program is doing some good to this world, and it’s a good feeling that you gave a present to a kid,” Tony Smiley said. “This program means to give hope and kindness to children who will not have it anyways.”

In time for the holiday, donations were collected, purchases made, and gifts wrapped and delivered.

“Our students are very thoughtful,” Ms. Putnam said. “They are always excited to show the good things they found in purchases. This is always a very rewarding experience for the students.”