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As it gets closer to the holiday season, programs that support a season of giving become more available in the community. Jack’s Closet and the Winter Clothing Drive at Anderson both collect items for the less fortunate this year.
Jack’s Closet is a free clothing closet all year round. However, in December, they have a gift-giving program in which kids are able to get Christmas presents, who otherwise would not be able to afford anything. Mrs. Broxterman, Anderson art teacher, has been in charge of this program at AHS for three years. She gets involved with every aspect of the process, from collecting items to packaging to giving them to the kids.
“The people can come in from any area, it doesn’t have to be Anderson… They get to pick three presents for each [child], a stuffed animal, a children’s book, and wrapping paper,” Broxterman said.
Spreading the word is one of the most important parts of the program.
“Teachers talking to all their classes [is important]. Friends telling friends [also helps]. I get the neighbors in my neighborhood to do it. Just anything—and your parents are gonna be so happy to get rid of those stuffed animals,” Broxterman said.
This toy drive accepts a wide variety of items, making it easy for anyone to contribute. Art supplies, games, books, stuffed animals, Legos, jewelry, coloring books, and more; the only exception is no puzzles. Cash or checks will also be accepted. Lily Cox donated to the drive for the second time this year.
“I think it’s a really good way to help people who are less fortunate. There are a lot of kids who don’t get any presents at all and rely on the things that people donate,” Cox (10) said.
In addition to Jack’s Closet, there is another opportunity to give during the Winter Clothing Drive. The Anderson Student Government is running this program, and it goes until December 19th. Chloe Hibner has been involved in student government since her sophomore year, and is involved with the drive for the first time this year.
“You can donate anything warm. That can be pants, sweatshirts, coats, hats, gloves, anything, and we’ll take it. It can be any size, lightly used. And we’re gonna have two basketball games… where you can bring donations to the game, and we will have bins there with people there collecting them. [On] the weekend of December sixth and seventh, from noon to three, you can drive up to the main office,” Hibner (11) said.
Students who are looking to make a difference in the community should look to both Jack’s Closet and the Winter Clothes Drive this winter.
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