Coodinator helps to make a happy Holiday season

Asheville High School's Community School Coordinator, Tatyana Barrett, recently, with the help of the administration and staff of Asheville High School, organized a gift drive for high school students that was a resounding success. On December 20th, Barrett and a team of dedicated volunteers from the school worked tirelessly to ensure that over 260 gift wish lists were filled for high school students in need.

UWABC Community School Coordinator instructs volunteers from Hands on Asheville Buncombe.

But the gift drive was about more than just spreading holiday cheer; it was also a crucial part of the Community School Strategy at Asheville High. This strategy aims to support students and their families by providing resources and services beyond the traditional classroom experience.

For many high school students, the holiday season can be difficult. They may have different access to gift-giving resources than their younger peers and may be left out of toy drives that are typically geared toward younger children. That's why it's so important that initiatives like Barrett's gift drive are in place to ensure that high schoolers are included and supported during this time of year.

But the gift drive was about more than just receiving gifts.

Students from Asheville High also had the opportunity to give back by writing thank you cards to those who donated and volunteering their time to sort and distribute the gifts. This not only fostered a sense of community and gratitude among the students, but it also helped to teach the value of giving and serving others. The holiday toy drive was a testament to the resounding support that exists within the Asheville High community. Staff members, individual volunteers, and donors all came together to make this event a success, and it's clear that this community cares deeply about supporting its students and families.

An Asheville High school student and familie pick up wrapped gifts.

Community School Coordinator, Barett, stands with the AHS school staff who also worked to make the drive possible.

A volunteer passes along a gift to another volunteer.

Overall, the gift drive was a heartwarming and inspiring example of the power of community support. Coordinators like Tatyana Barrett and the students at Asheville High are making a real difference in their community, and we can all be hopeful and inspired by their efforts.

If you're inspired to continue supporting community school coordinators like Barrett, consider donating to the Live United Fund.

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