The holiday season often conjures up images of a jolly old man in a red suit spreading joy around the world and surprising children with presents. Though they lacked reindeer and a sleigh, members of the Student Government Association (SGA) got to spend a day in Santa’s shoes by surprising children at the Nancy J. Cotterman Center (NJCC) with gifts on Thursday, December 13.
For about 20 years, CCHS has been participating in the Adopt-a-Child program as a way to brighten the holiday season for those staying at the NJCC in Fort Lauderdale. The center provides a safe environment for those impacted by sexual assault and their non-offending family members. This year, Class of 2020 Corresponding Secretary Madison Piper and Historian Kimber Counts chaired the project.
Since the gifts are largely funded by student donations, they represent the collective efforts of the CCHS community to spread holiday cheer to the lives of others.
“Last year I was mentored by Hannah Riggott, the former chair, and I fell in love with the project,” Counts said. “After everything that these children and their families have been through, we do what we can to make the season a little easier and to keep the holiday spirit alive for the kids.”
After collecting gifts from participating teachers, SGA wrapped the presents in preparation for the holiday party. This year, although there were only eight children participating, dozens of toys and clothes were seen in the cafeteria as SGA members adorned the presents with festive wrapping paper and bows.
Since the gifts are largely funded by student donations, they represent the collective efforts of the CCHS community to spread holiday cheer to the lives of others. Such a large turnout of presents isn’t uncharacteristic of the project. Each year, SGA collects about $1000 worth of gifts.
“This is by far SGA’s favorite project,” SGA Adviser Natalie Flaten said. “While it can become a bit stressful getting everything organized, especially since we want to make everything perfect, it is also the most heartwarming.”
On Thursday, the SGA members had the opportunity to see the positive impacts of the Adopt-a-Child project by personally delivering the presents to the adopted children. Flaten and SGA members arrived at the NJCC at noon to set up the presents and decorate the center. They returned that evening with dinner, donated by Vita’s Italian Restaurant.
“To be able to see the faces of the children and their parents [or] guardians is priceless,” Flaten said. “We always leave the party feeling grateful for having been a part of it.”
Once the party started at 5:30 p.m., the participating families were able to eat and play various games. The children made “dirt cup” desserts with chocolate pudding, crushed up Oreos and gummy worms. As they finished up their treats, Santa came out and spoke to each child. The SGA members, or “Santa’s elves,” led the families to their private rooms which were decorated and filled with presents.
“To be able to see the faces of the children and their parents [or] guardians is priceless,” Flaten said. “We always leave the party feeling grateful for having been a part of it.”
While SGA members may not be shimmying down a chimney anytime soon, the holiday party allowed them to share a festive night with others in the community. By coming together to help others, the Adopt-a-Child project reminds CCHS what the season of fairy lights and candy canes is truly all about.
Photo by Alexa Jaspan
