As the holidays quickly approach, Adams High School students prepare by shopping for gifts to give friends and family, listening to Christmas carols on the radio, decorating their homes, and showing off their favorite ugly Christmas sweaters.

Despite all the excitement and anticipation surrounding December, students have not forgotten about those who may not be as fortunate as they are this holiday season. In fact, various clubs and organizations at Adams, including Students Giving Back, Key Club, Student Council, and National Honor Society, have organized fundraisers to help those in need this month.

Students Giving Back, one of Adams’ numerous community service clubs, kicked off the holiday fundraising with a gift basket raffle. Tickets were sold for one dollar, and students could place their tickets in the themed basket of their choice. The club raffled five baskets and raised a total of $300.

“Students Giving Back is a non-profit organization that focuses on helping local charities to help better the Rochester community and spreading happiness to others during the holiday season. Thanks to all who participated in the raffle!” said Students Giving Back Co-President, senior Kinjal Ray.

The money raised from the raffle will be donated to the Rainbow Connection, a charity in downtown Rochester, which according to Ray, is similar to “a local Make-a-Wish.” The Rainbow Connection’s mission is to grant wishes to Michigan children suffering from life threatening or terminal illnesses.

Key Club and Student Council are also teaming up this month and organizing a winter clothing drive called “Coats for Cocoa.” The incentive is for students to donate gently used winter clothing in exchange for hot cocoa. Students can bring their donations to Key Club Adviser Mrs. Ashley Pelz’s room from December 1-19 to receive their hot chocolate voucher. All clothing will be donated to Rochester Area Neighborhood House.

“Coats for Cocoa is a great way to give back this holiday season!” said Key Club President, senior Maura Bayagich.

In addition to the gift basket raffle and clothing drive, the National Honor Society is facilitating its annual Toys for Tots fundraiser. According to the charity’s official website, “The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children.” Toys for Tots also aims to deliver a message of hope to children across the United States and help them experience the joy of Christmas.

“I think it is great that we can give toys to less fortunate children, especially since we are so lucky to live in such an affluent area,” said National Honor Society Junior Representative Aashika Sulabelle.

The National Honor Society has placed collection boxes at locations throughout the school, including the Main Office, the Media Center, and National Honor Society Adviser Mrs. Allison Danielson’s classroom, room 254. Students can donate new, unwrapped toys through December 17.

It is refreshing and touching to see the generous, kind spirits of Adams students this holiday season through all that they have donated this month. When the holidays roll in, Adams students can celebrate while knowing that somewhere out there, there is a child who was granted a wish, given a coat, or gifted a toy, due to their kindness and generosity.