Thus far, the Key Club has hosted a food drive to provide food baskets for local families. They have also set up a "Giving Tree" to accept names of children and adults who do not have a family with which to share the holidays. Students encourage each staff member to buy a gift for someone on the tree in order to spread holiday cheer. Last but not least, students hosted their annual Breakfast with Santa for young children to play Christmas games and to meet with St. Nick and a few of his elves. Students say they have been very busy this season, but all of their efforts are designed to uplift and support the local community.
"This supports a lot of people," said Proviso West junior, Tania Sosa. "It feels really, really good to be able to help so many people, and it’s fun at the same time. It is important for us to help people and to continue to give back to our communities every day."
Proviso West senior, Nathian Cerda expressed the same sentiment.
"What we are doing is important for our community," he said. "We have to help those who are unable to help themselves. We just want to feed and help more children. We want [the spirit of] our efforts to spread throughout the community so that we can help more families."
Proviso West High School students will continue to collect donations throughout the year. The food drive continues through February of 2012. Students will also host a coat and glove drive to help keep families warm throughout the winter.
Great work, students! You are a vital part of Proviso Rising.