Athens students donate to those in need

TROY — Athens High School students tried to exemplify the giving spirit in numerous different ways as 2022 came to a close.

Members of the student body contributed in a variety of ways to help those in need, including donating gift cards, teddy bears and coats, and they even hosted a blood drive for the Red Cross.

The Athens Student Council organized the Holiday Gift Card Drive as a competition for second-hour classrooms. The gift cards were given to the Troy Police Department’s Operation Blue Sleigh, which helps local residents and families during the holiday season.

Athens students responded by donating $1,200 in gift cards for the program. David Said’s second-hour class was the top contributor and earned the traveling trophy.

“It is always a great feeling knowing that you are helping those in need, especially around the holidays, that you made someone’s life full of a little more cheer,” said Athens Student Council treasurer and senior Amanda Leonard.

Students also recently contributed 22 teddy bears to brighten the lives of young hospital patients at Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Troy. The donation was coordinated by the school’s Project Lead members, who solicited donations from family and friends to create the bears at the Build-A-Bear Workshop store at Somerset Collection.

“It was absolutely heartwarming to see so many students volunteer their time, and for me, personally, to make the plush bears for those who may be less fortunate, especially during the holiday season,” said Project Lead officer Daniela Rumi, a junior. “To me, the holidays are all about giving, so knowing that we were able to make bears for children that may be feeling extra lonely during this holiday time is so rewarding.”

Both the Athens High School Project Lead and the Athens Student Council came together to jointly sponsor a coat drive to benefit Oakland County Sheriff’s Office’s Coats for the Cold program. Students and families donated 130 coats that the Sheriff’s Office will distribute to residents and families in need this winter.

“Knowing that we collected so many coats amazes me, and it makes me feel proud,” remarked Project Lead member Diana D’Aloisio, a sophomore. “It makes me feel good knowing that we are helping others, because little things can impact others greatly.”

Additionally, the student council recently sponsored a blood drive to benefit the American Red Cross. Students, parents and residents donated a total of 32 units of blood in December. The Red Cross said the donations will help benefit 92 hospital patients.

“I love helping because it makes an impact on the community that isn’t necessarily shown,” said Student Council Vice President Mallory Primeau, a senior. “Each person who donates is helping our community.”

Athens Principal Lara Dixon said she was proud of her students and was happy to see the impact they were making during the last month.

“We are thrilled that our Red Hawks lead with empathy and purpose and are so very proud of our students and advisors for their philanthropic acts of kindness, generosity and service to those in need in Troy and the metropolitan area,” she said. “Kindness and community matter, and impactful acts make a difference.”