This year organizations show the true meaning of Christmas by giving back to the community.

     A couple of organizations are doing something to help the community this year during the Christmas season. Those organizations include NHS, FCCLA, and FBLA.

  NHS also adopted a family. The organization bought toys and clothes for an eight month old girl and a three year old boy.

   NHS did Operation Soldier Drive. NHS was able to package 28 soldier care packages during their packing day. Things inside those packages included toothpaste, deodorant, Ramen noodles, crossword puzzles and more. John Boise Middle School raised over $250 from a coin drive to help with the shipping cost. “I like helping the community when the opportunity is given.” senior Nathan Townley said.

   “We appreciate all of you that contributed items/money for the drive and for shipping,” Charlene Million said.

   FCCLA adopted a girl and boy through the Christmas for Kids program.

   “It is a time to reflect on how we can help others,” Suzie Dudenhoeffer said. “This gives kids that can’t have a Christmas a Christmas and makes them think that someone cares about them.” senior Amee Wiggins said.

   Each of the kids will receive 2 complete sets of clothes and three toys for FCCLA. Those sets of clothing include jeans, hoodies and t-shirts. The toys are for the certain gender of the child.   

  Christmas for Kids has been an organization for around 18 years. Chanda Chiles has helped to run this program for about 10 years. It is all ran through the Benton County Health Department which gets list of toys that the child would like along with their clothing size which is how the organizations can get what the kids want for Christmas. “I enjoy making a child’s Christmas a little brighter,” Chiles said.

   FBLA also did an adopt a family drive. They bought gifts for a six year old boy and a two year old girl. FBLA got them clothes and toys. They also got candy for the kids and put the candy in stockings.