At Westerville South High School, the holiday season is marked by a loved tradition known as Caring and Sharing, created in 1993. This annual program brings the community together to make a noticeable difference in the lives of children in need.
Their mission is to encourage individuals, businesses, civic, church, and school groups in the Westerville area to care for the less fortunate and to share their resources of time, funds, and energy. By donating money and then shopping for gifts, participants reflect the heart of giving and compassion.
Mary Pugh, the Vice President of Caring and Sharing, said, “I have seven children so I know how hard it is to provide Christmas to children. It bothered me that children didn’t have a good Christmas, so I started volunteering. Now, I have been volunteering for 32 years.”
Westerville’s Caring and Sharing program does not only give back to their community during the holiday season, they also organize a back-to-school school supply drive and multiple food drives throughout the year.
Nelly Rivas, a sophomore said, “I look forward to Caring and Sharing every year. I love to donate and give back to people who need it.”
According to the organization’s website, (westervillecaringandsharing.org) in various years from 1991-2008 Westerville Caring and Sharing has been acknowledged for their work and awarded eight different local and state awards.
The program kicked off this year during extended advisory. Science teacher and Student Council advisor, Lauren Sefton presented a live broadcast to students reviewing this year’s plans for Caring and Sharing. This year’s goal is $12,000$, each class has a goal typically of $100 . Last year Westerville South raised $11,390.
A new aspect for this year is the gingerbread house decorating competition between advisories at each grade level. Everyday through the morning announcements how much money each class has collected is also shown to students.
Students will also participate in a spirit week to celebrate Caring and Sharing with themes including twin Tuesday and ugly sweater day on Friday, Dec. 13.
Each year the program starts with a call for donations in students’ second period class. While WSHS students are raising money, staff and community members also contribute funds, which are pooled together to support families in need during the holiday season.
Caring and Sharing is more than just a school program, it’s a community-wide initiative. Teachers, parents, and local businesses in Westerville often join in to support the cause. The program not only helps children but also creates a sense of compassion in the students who participate.
Bri Slone, a junior, who was a shopper for Caring and Sharing last year said, “Being able to shop for kids is so fun. I love being able to choose personalized gifts. I’m so glad I can help kids have a good Christmas.”
The families chosen to be a part of Caring and Sharing, fill out an application to participate in the holiday project. Once accepted, kids or parents fill out a wish-list where requests for clothing, toys, electronics, books, etc are recorded.
A sponsor is then matched with a student to purchase items from the wish list. The sponsors then deliver the gifts to the distribution site.
Sefton said, “Caring and sharing lets us know we are not alone, and we are a part of a bigger community. Yes, we’re buying material things, but it’s more the broader sense, that coming together is more what we focus on.”
