The annual National Honor Society toy drive was a huge success thanks to a a variety of efforts. Members partnered with four restaurants this fall for Dine to Donate nights, then recently held the NHS Teacher Auction, where students can big on teachers and the highest bidder gets to dress their teacher how they want on the last day of school before break.

These events got the school and the community involved to help a great cause. “I am overwhelmed by the generosity of people in the school and community who bid on the staff members at the auction and who came out to our Dine to Donate nights.  We had a lot of kids to buy for this year and each kid will be getting lots of gifts to open on Christmas.” says Katie Wideen, the National Honor Society Advisor. 

This event supports the Otsego Christmas Ministries Project, which helps Otsego families with food, household items, and gifts for Christmas. “I know that the people who run the program from the local churches are always overwhelmed with gratitude when they come to pick up the gifts and see how many there actually are.” This year, NHS purchased gifts for 96 kids. This drive  raises money so that NHS members can do the shopping and connect with those they're serving.

“This project is always one of the highlights of the year. The NHS kids love doing it and they love to shop for the gifts. To be able to provide an amazing Christmas for so many in the community, that is what the meaning of Christmas is about,” Wideen adds.