Hammonton High is a school that strives to reach out the community year-round; however the holiday season is a time in which it is especially generous.

This year, clubs and groups throughout the school are hosting events for students and staff to spread some holiday cheer.

The physical education department is hosting a Toys for Tots drive through December 13.

Because all students are required by law to take gym class, this department gives students the opportunity to donate to a greater cause.  Anyone who brings in a toy not only receives extra credit, but gets to help a child in need, according to athletic director and physical education supervisor Mrs. Marni Parks.

“[Even though] we do offer extra credit, but a lot of kids just do it because they want to do something nice for the kids who aren’t able to receive gifts,” Parks said.

In the past, the drive has been a big success, and Parks is optimistic about this year.

“Every year, we fill at least those three big bins [located in the athletic director’s office], if not more, and of course we hope to get more and more each year,” she added.

Community service organizations such as the Key Club also help in a variety of different ways this holiday season, including both mandatory service activities for the club and voluntary opportunities for members who want to do more.

“This year, we are doing a lot of things to help the community, starting with our supply drive for homeless youth in our area,” said club adviser Mrs. Mairin Schramm. “[Members in] each grade bring in different hygiene items to help these teens feel cared for and comforted this year.”

Another Key Club-sponsored event involves indirectly raising money for the Make-a-Wish organization.

“Macy’s is donating one dollar for every letter to Santa they receive, so we are having all of our members write a letter to Santa by December 17, just about the things they want for Christmas,” Schramm explained.

Key Club also assists the Hammonton Kiwanis Club with its annual Christmas party, in which local children are given gifts provided by Kiwanis. Key Club member assist by shopping for the gifts at Walmart and attending the party itself, where the children visit with Santa and have a meal.

The Student Council is also helping kids in need of gifts through their annual toy drive.  Each member receives the name of a child and their wish list. Participating members spend about forty-five dollars on a child to get them as many of the things on their wish list as they can.  Students are then able to give the gifts to the children they received in person when the club hosts a holiday party at the Camden Leap Academy later this month.

For teachers looking to get involved this holiday season, school nurse Mrs. Christine Haines has the perfect opportunity.

“I have Angel tags on my Christmas tree in my office. These Angel tags are from the Salvation Army of children in need of a gift this Christmas. Teachers take one and send in the gift by December 13,” she said. “Then, the Salvation Army picks them up and gives them to the children. These children reside in Atlantic County and are identified through the Salvation Army.”

Haines believes it is important to be involved with this organization.

“This is a tradition I plan to be involved in each school year,” she said.

Together, Hammonton High School students and staff are working to be more generous and to remember that they, too, can improve the lives of others.