OHS students play Santa's helpers to benefit OCSD children in need

Dec. 7—Oskaloosa High School students are busily playing Santa's elves as they make sure every Osky student has what they need to play hard and stay warm this winter.

The project is called "Santa's Little Helpers Paying It Forward," and has been a tradition at Oskaloosa Community School District for more than 30 years. Led by OHS teacher Carrie Bihn, the project allows OHS peer helpers to shop, accept donations and organize Christmas presents for fellow OCSD students who are in need of a little extra support this holiday.

The project's core mission is making sure every OCSD child in need has cold weather gear so that they can play at recess without being hindered by the wintery conditions. As a bonus, toys are included so that each child can enjoy getting a quality Christmas gift. The project usually benefits 80 to 90 children annually. This year, 29 OHS peer helper students are working hard to make that gift-giving possible.

"The first day we started, it was by gathering boxes, gathering all the supplies that we're going to need. So like, wrapping paper, tape, all that good stuff," says Taylor Six, an OHS senior who is working on the project. "Toys were donated in, and then we designated how many clothes were going to be for each kid.

The students have received donations from local vendors including Mahaska Drug, Oskaloosa Foods, United Way, the Daily Trust Fund, the Rollin' Oldies, Mary's in Albia and even former students.

"Osky Foods donated our boxes and our tape," says Kira Doty, another senior working on the project. "We've had teachers and staff members here in the high school bring in toys, books, clothes that their kids don't use or wear anymore and just don't fit, and then we have a donation box outside of room 204, which is the room we're working in, and students are allowed to bring in whatever toys, hats, anything more. Each group has been assigned to make a morning announcement, and so we give that announcement and just kind of remind students that they are able to donate to us and open their doors for anything that we may need."

The students working on the project feel that making sure every OCSD student is blessed with a present at Christmas is heartwarming, and a great way to spend their senior year.

"I think it's a really good opportunity," says OHS student Lily Bonnett. "For senior year, we get to give everybody stuff, and it makes kids ... they feel happy. Even though they don't have a lot, just to see their faces when they open the gifts, it's a really good experience."

"We get to do something that's memorable not only for us, but for younger kids," Doty says. "We set that standard, and we're that role model for students who may not have anything and everything that they want, but now we get to give them that opportunity to have an enjoyable moment."

Channing Rucks can be reached at crucks@oskyherald.com.