WEST COLUMBIA, SC -- Airport High School students are working to make the upcoming long winter break a bit bright for local families in need.
About 20 students gathered this week to pack 145 food baskets, part of a giving effort with partners including Mount Tabor Lutheran Church, Lexington United Methodist Church and the Scooter Scott Project.
In addition to foods, the baskets also included freshly baked cookies from Scooter Scott kids, cooked turkeys, toiletries, small toys, and handmade quilts from Mount Tabor’s quilting circle.
Airport High students, led by Student Government members, also helped 65 families with food baskets over the Thanksgiving break. Food drives for both holiday events started in early November.
The holiday giving tradition is in its third year, and many Airport graduates come back to assist, said teacher and student activities director Daniel Bailey.
“Students, once they graduate, do a great job of reaching back out to AHS to see how they can help. This has become a ‘new normal’ for them as we approach the holiday season,” Bailey said. “We’ve had over eight alumni come back this year to help serve the baskets (either by packing or delivering in their own cars). This deep-rooted tradition is growing in popularity.”
Airport High’s students also adopted families for Christmas, providing holiday gifts for those in need.