West is giving back this year by implementing an angel tree for the students. The tree is located in the front office and is filled with paper “ornaments” that have anonymous requests from students at West. These requests could be items that are wants, or for most of them, needs such as clothing or hygiene products that they may not be able to afford themselves. Anyone who wants to help can then grab an ornament, make the purchase, and then return it to the office where it will be given to that student. This has had a positive impact on both the kids receiving the gifts, as well as the people buying for it.
“I wanted to go shopping for the angel tree because I feel like it will have a good impact on the kids who are receiving the gifts,” said sophomore Mohnroe Holliday.
The angel tree is a great way to help out families at West, especially during such a financially stressful time of year.
“Some families aren’t able to celebrate Christmas or buy presents, so I think the angel tree is really helpful for them,” sophomore Katelyn Le said.
Majority of the gifts bought were also necessities, and things no kid should have to worry about not having, such as clean clothes or soap.
“I think the angel tree impacts the kids a lot because the things on there were not only wants but there were a lot of necessities,” said junior Kerstan Troung.
Many people are so wrapped up in receiving gifts or making wish lists during the holiday, that they forget there are so many people who don’t even have homes, warm clothing, or food this winter.
“I wish other students understood how good they have it, because I know that everyone goes through their own things at home, but there are a lot of students here at West that can use our services,” said teacher and organizer of the Angel tree, Ann Hocker.
This gives those students in need an outlet and source of comfort to know that there are people at West who are willing to help.
“There are just a lot of students here at West who could really use these services that are not just through the city. We also want students to know that there are people here at school that they can count on and are here to support them in any way we can,” said Hocker.
This has been eye opening for many people who chose to help, because you never know what people are going through and it has been great to see the West community come together for a good cause.
“I just hope that I can pay it forward to those around me, and there’s a lot of teachers and staff that have given to the angel tree, so it just makes my heart happy that there are still a lot of really good people in the world,” said Hocker.
This angel tree has been an overall inspirational and eye opening addition to West. It has benefitted so many students thanks to fellow kids, teachers, and even businesses making donations. Holidays are the time for giving, so this is a great reminder to think about how you can give back to others this time of year.
