In an effort to help kids in need, Student Council is in full force with the Adopt an Angel program, which will end on Dec. 17. The program started in 2002 and has grown throughout the district with the same message: Adopt an Angel makes sure students who are going through a tough time receive something for Christmas.
Student council adviser Dan Moser, who assists with Adopt an Angel, says the goal is to provide for the community who might not be able to provide for their families this holiday season.
“We wanted to take care of kids who were less fortunate to have a nice Christmas,” Moser said. “It’s for students to be able to at least get something new during Christmastime or Christmas season. It’s about giving and not receiving.”
Volunteers help accept gift donations, wrap gifts and keep everything organized so things run smoothly.
“I like doing this program because I like delivering all the gifts and seeing all the little kids’ faces being lit up,” senior Carys Williams said.
Junior Isabella Mora-Barretto helps keep track and accept gifts for the organization to keep things running quickly. She said it’s rewarding to know the gifts reach families who truly need them.
“It just makes a difference in how people respond to their community,” Mora-Barretto said. “So once they’re given things, they give back to their own community. It just brings more connection.”
Volunteers often experience emotional moments that remind them why the program matters. Moser reflected on a time that highlighted the impact of his efforts and contributions, a story he said he will forever remember.
“I still am overwhelmed by how a bike could change someone’s life,” Moser said. “I just remember how he just wept because they were so happy to be able to have bikes; they knew it this was going to help them change their life.”
As the program continues year to year, volunteers hope more people can get involved so no child gets missed.
“Being part of this program makes a difference; it teaches us to be thankful and selfless,” Mora-Barretto said.
The mission of Adopt an Angel stays the same: helping others, spreading kindness and bringing the community together during the holidays.
“The most rewarding part is knowing it’s reaching someone that’s in need, and that they have the same opportunity to experience what other kids in the world get,” Mora-Barretto said.
