For 15 percent of Americans living in poverty, buying a winter coat is considered “extra” according to www.onewarmcoat.org, a charity which gifts winter coats to families in need. Joanie’s Closet, a charity that aims to help assist with basic needs for students like coats, school supplies and more, by attending one of their events and donating to the cause can help families that live maybe just next door. Even the school charity bash, by donating to the Keep Swimming Foundation students can help families struggling with loved ones with illnesses.

The school and many other organizations proved many outlets for students to give back this season. Many school clubs participate in the season of charity by doing fundraisers that give club members opportunities to give back to their community. Julie Dobrow, junior who participates in charity events like food drives and Joanie’s Closet fundraisers, believes that by helping others, she can appreciate what she has, and her clubs allow her to express that through charity options.

“Clubs like NHS have students run community volunteering projects and most students choose to help by doing food drives and coat drives and stuff like that. Clubs like interact have a lot of volunteering activities over the holidays to help give back to the community,” Dobrow said. “Giving back to the community is really rewarding, especially over the holidays since it reminds you to appreciate what you have and puts things in perspective. It reminds everyone that the holidays shouldn’t just be about gifts.”

Outside of school, there are many options as to how to help your community by donating either time, money or clothes to charities. Bella Robb, freshman, likes to give back by donating old clothes or toys to bring joy to kids in need.

“Teenagers could go to charity events during Christmas or when they go to stores give the Santa Clause money and could donate money there. They could also volunteer at charity events and donate clothes or toys to Goodwill,” Robb said. “[Personally] I have some old clothes that I never wear hanging up in my closet, so we usually go give it to Goodwill.”

              Small things like donating 3 dollars to Joanie’s Closet or picking something off the giving tree can mean a huge difference to a struggling family. By taking time out of your day to participate in a fundraiser or just by picking something off the giving tree can help someone feel just a little bit better, Robb said.