The National Honor Society (NHS) and Varsity Club hosted their annual Clubs That Care event in the school cafeteria on Friday, Dec. 8. There were activities and games for kids, and presents were given to the chosen families.

Each club chose a family in need to buy presents for, and the parents of that family requested what gifts they wanted. Members of each club then bought the presents and dropped them off for the families in the Community Room.

At the school, activities and games were set up for the kids, and the parents went into a separate room to pick up the gifts. Kids were able to decorate cookies, write letters to Santa, and get their faces painted while their parents wrapped their gifts and brought them to their cars.  Dinner and snacks were also provided for the families.

“The day was a success, and the kids loved the activities we had planned for them. The parents also appreciated the hard work that went into the planning and gift buying,” said Tess Ellithorpe, Varsity Club co-president and junior. “It felt rewarding, and I’m happy I was able to help improve a family’s life.”

There were a variety of gifts requested by the families, including boots, toys, gloves, clothing, video games, hats, and more. NHS as a whole was responsible for 11 families, so its members donated the majority of the gifts. Since Varsity Club focused more on planning and running the event, each club member opted to buy gift cards for the family instead of physical objects.

“I think what NHS is doing for these families is great. Every family deserves the opportunity to have a great holiday season,” said Liam Bots, NHS member.

Along with the Clubs That Care event, Student Council held a toy drive. Each Student Council member was assigned toys, and they donated them to underprivileged families. Bins were also set up around the school for separate donations by students.

“We donated it all to the Hinsdale [HCS] Family Services. It was a great way to help out our community and give back,” said Alex Choi, Student Council president.

The toy drive took place from Monday, Dec. 4 to Thursday, Dec. 7.

For additional donation opportunities through HCS Family Services, contact Mr. Stan Cook at [email protected] or visit the Hinsdale Community Services website.