Hundreds of toys collected at a school to benefit HELP of Southern Nevada.
Las Vegas Day School’s Middle School students spearheaded two holiday gift-giving endeavors to benefit HELP of Southern Nevada’s Holiday Assistance Programs. The school’s Student Council held a Toy Drive and the National Junior Honor Society students participated in HELP’s Adopt-A-Family program.
During the week of the Toy Drive, Las Vegas Day School grade donated more than 450 toys
Michele Howard, a member of Las Vegas Day School’s administrative team said, “There was such a feeling of joyfulness, from the younger students who were donating the toys as well as the older students collecting them.”
Las Vegas Day School’s Student Council officers echoed that sentiment. Zoraya Meier, Student Council Treasurer, said, “Giving to others doesn’t just give them a sense of happiness, joy, and excitement. It also makes you proud of yourself for doing something out of the kindness of your heart.”
In addition to the school-wide Toy Drive, Las Vegas Day School’s National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) students went shopping for clothes and toys from a family’s wish-list they received through HELP of Southern Nevada’s Adopt-A-Family. Tina Contini, Las Vegas Day School’s NJHS sponsor, said the students really enjoy shopping for a family that may otherwise not have holiday gifts. Contini said, “I believe HELP of Southern Nevada’s quote best describes how the NJHS students feel about their charity work: Giving is not just about making a donation; it’s about making a difference.”
HELP of Southern Nevada works with various local programs to help those in need during the holiday season, including help with meals and holiday gifts. HELP was founded in 1970 and assists tens of thousands of clients each year. HELP offers a variety of programs and services designed to help individuals, families, and youth overcome barriers, attain or increase their self-sufficiency, and keep people housed or get them housed. HELP of Southern Nevada’s Holiday Assistance Programs provides gifts to more than 2,500 local families for the holidays.