Charger News

Benevolent clubs at Cookeville High help spread holiday cheer to others

Holley Roberts, Charger Staff

Now that the holidays are here, CHS clubs and organizations are spreading a little Christmas spirit to needy families in the area. “The greatest gifts at Christmas are those given to others,” Interact president Amanda Nixon said.

Interact, HOSA, and the Key Club will participate in the American Legion food drive, donating canned food items and helping sort the products for delivery. Money is set aside in the Interact treasury to buy toys and food for a needy family in Cookeville. Club members raise the money for this and other projects through two car wash fundraisers. The items are delivered as a surprise to the family on Christmas.

Junior Senka Hadzimuratovic said, “Last year we spent about $300 buying toys and providing Christmas dinner for a needy family in the area, and we are happy to do it again this year.”

Interactors will also make decorations for NHC Healthcare and visit with residents as well as adopt angels from the CDC angel tree. The Leo Club will go caroling at the Cookeville Health Care Facility. They will also make stocking stuffers for the Genesis House and bake cookies for the local firehouses.

Although not an official club, Misty Waller’s math classes will do their part this holiday season as well. Her classes decided to set up a collection booth on the third floor for “Toys for Tots.” One of her students, Wes Garner, said, “Even thought this is a hard class and we do a lot of work, I think it is really cool that we can come together and do something like this for the holidays.”

Waller’s classes also plan to adopt an angel in the CDC department. “My students this year are extremely excited about spreading holiday cheer. This is an excellent opportunity for them to give back to those who are less fortunate,” Waller said. For all those whose kind efforts go unnoticed, thanks for caring and being compassionate. Merry Christmas to all!