The holiday season is known for the spirit of giving, allowing people to spread joy and connect as a community. However, giving doesn’t have to be limited to just the 204 area, but can be spread to people around the country. The Alliance for the Children—a non-profit organization dedicated to supplying children with the goods to flourish—has partnered with Neuqua to create an event that allows students and teachers to help young children throughout the district and in the Appalachian Mountain regions of Virginia and Kentucky to those in need, which has motivated The Alliance for the Children to sponsor such events.
The event uses Christmas tree-shaped gift tags labeled with a child’s name. For students, these tags will be provided by their advisory teacher or their 2nd period may be offering them as well. Moreover, these gift tags include a short wish list for these children. If someone is interested in completing one of these lists, they can sign up on the sheet provided by their teacher and take a tag with them.
Furthermore, these lists don’t have to be completed on their own, as they can be done in groups or even as a whole class. When these tags are completed and goods are acquired, drop them off with the teacher you originally got them from and return the list. It’s a great way to lift the spirits of those in need and makes helping others more accessible for students.
This is the 27th year that the Alliance for the Children has been sponsored by Neuqua, allowing them to help more and more kids. Initially, this program was brought to Neuqua by Mrs. Paula Mueller, who was a chemistry teacher at Neuqua. Unfortunately, she passed away on Oct. 2, 2023 from her battle with cancer. This event continues to be held in her honor, and is now run by Ms. Kristen Kinell, a fellow chemistry teacher. It is an amazing way to uphold her legacy and the impact she had on others, while also encouraging students to help children in the process.
During this festive season, don’t hesitate to give the gift of happiness to these children by finishing their lists. It would mean so much to them and it doesn’t hurt to play Santa Claus every once in a while. We’re extremely grateful to the Alliance for the Children for serving children in need throughout our community and the country and it’s just the right event to spread the holiday spirit throughout Neuqua and beyond.
