Giving Cans and Giving Back

For most of us, it’s hard to think of a Christmas without simple things, like a Christmas Dinner, and presents under the tree. But families in Hartland don’t always have that guarantee. Luckily, the Hartland High School Optimist club once again ran their Canned Food drive, a collection of non-perishable foods to feed struggling families in Hartland.

“A lot of teachers give extra credit, and parties or things for brining in cans, but it means a lot more than that for the kids who don’t know if they are going to have a Christmas at all.” Brandi Oberstaedt, junior optimist club member said.

The clubs goal is to collect food to give families a Christmas dinner they deserve. The Optimist club participates in other drives, like stocking stuffer drives to provide small toys and gifts for parents to give their kids when they can’t afford them. These drives work and combine to provide a Christmas to families who might not of gotten one. To these struggling families, that generosity is the best gift of all.

“I always bring in cans, not just for the raffle tickets or extra credit, but because I feel like it’s a small gesture on my part that makes a big difference in someone else’s life” Sophia Rizzo, junior at Hartland High School said.

The drive once again was a success in donations from hundreds of students and teachers around the school. These donations will help families and kids in Hartland have a happy holiday season, provided by a loving town and community.

“Altruism in general is important to me, but this time its different, because this time, its for my Hartland babies“ Nicole Conely, teacher at Hartland High School and staff advisor for the HHS Optimist Club. “The thought of any of these students not having a Christmas or enough food to eat, makes me want to fix the world. And since I can’t, this is my part.”

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