The colorful pom poms illuminated the hand-drawn Christmas tree on the poster. It was placed at a small table near the front of the gym, and the bright green tree stood out among the chaos of other tables at the SHARE fair. The project is chaired by sophomores Alexandria Fraley, Sloane Henderson and senior Grace O’Donnell. They partner with the Salvation Army to provide impoverished children with gifts during the holidays.
Alexandria has had a lifelong connection to volunteering, going on mission trips through Colonial and Leawood Presbyterian Church since she was four years old. The Angel Tree has been one of her favorite programs she has gotten to work with, helping children celebrate Christmas, her favorite holiday. Her sister, Vivian Fraley started the program a few years ago at SM East.
“[Vivian] got [SHARE] executive this year, so I decided to fill the role that she had, because I had helped her out with it for the past few years and I thought it would be cool to continue on,” Alexandria said.
The Angel Tree specifically operates during the holiday season, when a present can bring warmth to a family facing financial struggles.
Alexandria talked about her family's experience and discussed the significance of volunteering.
“It has been really ingrained in us that giving back and giving to people who are in need is a very important attribution. And to give them something that they can be happy with when times are hard," she said.
During the holiday season, they will display a tree in the main office. There are gift tags on the branches with requests written on them. Alexandria aims to collaborate with her fellow chairs to increase the number of gifts distributed each year.
“Every year, all of our tags for the children are completely gone, so we might up the number that we are producing,” Alexandria said.
Junior Mia Mosher happily described the feeling of compiling anything from playing cards, pens or fuzzy socks for her gift basket. Mia chairs the Ronald McDonald program along with sophomores Charlotte Wellman and Emma Walker. She likes to think outside of the box for gifts, sometimes adding a sweet note, to ensure the kids at the Ronald McDonald House are comfortable.
Ronald McDonald House project produces gift baskets for families staying in the house, a place where families in need can stay and receive care, like home-cooked meals and a clean space to rest. These baskets are composed of games and sources of entertainment to help pass the time.
Mia is passionate about how the program aims to bring a sense of home and comfort to families with an ill or injured child.
“My favorite part of the project is honestly the simplicity of making a little gift bag, but knowing that [you are] going to make a big difference,” Mia said.
Seniors Eva Lowry, Jordan O’Brien and Chloe Harmon have known each other since they were kindergarteners at Westwood View. That’s why they are eager to chair Westwood View Buddies, a popular project for former Westwood View students. Eva’s fond memories from elementary school influenced her and her friends to aim for the position.
“I think it is unique because you are getting to go back to where you grew up, and getting to pay it [forward],” Eva said. “ I remember when people came and helped us while we were there, and so it is full circle getting to do it.”
The project provides teachers with assistance in their classes. Depending on necessity, the volunteers will help with a specific grade level or teacher in need of assistance. On Tuesdays they prepare assignments and guide activities during seminar. For students like Eva who are interested in teaching, this program presents an opportunity to experience what it is like being a teacher.
“It is important because it is the future kids that will be at East," Eva said. "And you really get to know them."
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