The Christmas season looks different for everybody. For the Kennedy student government, it includes giving back to our veterans. This past week, student government participants have been shopping and wrapping gifts for veterans and their families.
Student government hosts several events throughout the school year, however, Christmas for Vets is the largest event hosted. Government students “adopt” a certain family to shop for. Depending on the size of the family assigned, students receive a correlated amount of money to use to shop for that specific veteran’s family. This event gives students the opportunity to give back to our country’s veterans and say a thank you. Students shop for families based on lists provided by their assigned family.
“We all received a list of gifts the family would like, although my group and I bought more than what was on the list we received,” senior Jenna Younge said. “We had a little girl who’s note said she loves glitter and pugs so we got her a variety of accessories that included pugs and glitter”
Small details like buying extra gifts and making sure children receive what they asked for is what makes this event special. Many children seem to put their wants aside and ask for what they need when it comes to the holidays.
“I personally believe that this event we host does help the veterans’ families,” Younge said. “I noticed it was common for children to ask for things they need like a coat or new pants rather than asking for a new toy set.”
This event brings many people in the community together. Student Government President Megan Doyle has been participating in this event for four years.
“I believe that this event gives those who participate a better sense of community,” Doyle said. “There is also a deeper understanding for how everyone’s contributions can make such a significant difference on those who are struggling in our community.”
Over the past 16 years, Kennedy Student Government has provided gifts for around 320 families, however, Christmas for Vets looked different this year. Long-time student government adviser Joe Benedict retired last year, and some of the donors retired with him. This left new adviser Collin Hollander to find a new way to continue this tradition.
“We didn’t have the same donors the Student Government has had in the past,” Hollander said. “Since our past advisor retired, the donors who donated for him also retired. There wasn’t as much money raised this year compared to the past, but we made it work.”
This is Hollander’s first year with the Student Government and participating in this event.
“My biggest takeaway from this year is seeing how much of a need there is in our community to help our local veterans,” Hollander said.
Benedict started this event 16 years ago and spent his career helping students understand the importance of giving back.
“Throughout all my years doing this, one thing I have learned is how thankful the veterans who participate are,” Benedict said.
Many Veterans in America face homelessness. However, it can be difficult for students to find participants on their own, which is why the Linn County Vets office helps the Student Government find families in need.
“The Linn County Vets office scans applicants for us and sends us back to the families or individuals in need,” Hollander said. “When we receive the families this is when we also receive the lists of things they are wishing for.”
The holidays can be tough for many people. Benedict took this as an opportunity to create something joyful during the holiday season.
“Seeing the look on everyone’s faces [is my favorite], especially the kids when receiving the gifts,” Benedict said.
This event that the student government hosts every year and helps show students and donors what their gratitude can do for our country’s veterans and our community.
“Knowing we were able to help make Christmas better for families was a good feeling,” Benedict said. “I also enjoyed watching how excited students got about shopping, wrapping, ect. The students and donors are the real elves who make this event possible.”
If there are any businesses or families that are interested in donating next year, please reach out to Kennedy Student Government Adviser Collin Hollander through his email, [email protected].
