Kylie Drunasky | Writer
December 4, 2024
The holiday season is often known for gift-giving, family gatherings, and festive celebrations. But for many, this time of year can serve as a compelling reminder of the importance of compassion and generosity. Gift-giving can be interpreted in many different ways. For most, the first thing that comes to mind is a simple wrapped present. However giving can be volunteering, donating to a cause, or supporting something in need, which can be much more powerful than any wrapped present could.
Holiday giving is not just about material gifts. The seasonal spirit can also be about kindness, connection, and making a difference. There is a special kind of happiness that comes from giving, making the giver feel a sense of purpose and compassion.
Volunteering is a rewarding way to give to the community. Volunteering can help connect people in meaningful ways, whether by serving meals at a homeless shelter, picking up trash, or spending time with the elderly. Ryan Cuenca, a sophomore at San Clemente High School, is a part of the school club called Helping Paws. Cuenca, and the rest of the club, dedicate their time to “baking cookies for a bake sale to raise money for the local animal shelter and saving them from kill shelters.” Cuenca is proud to say that, “from previous bake sales, they raised enough money to save a cat from being paralyzed.”
For high school students, it is easy to contribute to a cause with the countless amount of clubs that San Clemente High School has to offer. Many of these clubs devote their time to helping organizations that will support an important cause.
There are also a variety of different organizations to support outside of school. FAM is a highly regarded non-profit organization that supports individuals and families in need of food, shelter, and other necessities. With FAM, there are countless ways to donate or volunteer; helping with the distribution and organization of food, food drives, clothing donations, and even donating cars. A frequent donator at FAM, Camryn Juncaj, a student at San Clemente High School expresses her joy in her deeds, “I feel really good when donating to FAM because I get to help the people in my community. It’s amazing to see how much of a difference we can make together.”
For many, getting food on the table can be a struggle. Especially during the holidays, many children won’t be able to wake up on Christmas morning to any presents. By donating old toys or canned food, these family’s holidays can be changed for the better. Giving isn’t just about the items we exchange—it’s about creating connections, uplifting others, and making our communities stronger.
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