Whittier Faculty and Staff Come Together for Holiday Drive

HAVERHILL — Faculty and staff came together this season to run Whittier’s holiday drive in a new, creative way.

Whittier’s guidance department is full of gifts that will be given out to students in need this holiday season. (Courtesy Photo Whittier).

Normally run by Mediation Specialist Cheryl Begin, Whittier’s annual drive works to ensure all students and their families have happy holidays.

For the last several years, Begin and her team would work with the guidance department to determine students who are in need, and would then compile a list, shop for everyone and distribute the gifts.

However, due to family commitments this year, Begin was unable to put in the many hours she had in the past to make the event a success, so Director of Guidance Kristine Morrison (with help from her Administrative Assistant Madisyn Portorreal) took over to create a “giving tree” type effort.

Sans actual tree, Morrison worked with staff to create the list of names and make gift tags that were placed in a basket and could be taken at will. Gift tags had names of students (who agreed to be a part of the drive) and gift ideas. Some tags also included students’ family members who could also benefit from the drive.

“Most students, they’re not asking for iPods,” Morrison said. “They’re asking for winter jackets, boots, gloves, school supplies — items that are really practical and needed.”

Faculty and staff were so excited to help the approximately 70 students — from all grades and shops — on the list, that the gift tags were soon all claimed.

This week, the guidance department office is filled with presents that will be sent home with students in time for the holidays.

“Everyone really got into the holiday spirit and went above and beyond to help our students,” Morrison said. “I think being able to take the lead on shopping and wrapping gifts really made faculty and staff feel good.”

Those who would like to donate to the Whittier holiday fund, can do so here.

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