Burroughs students and the ASB leadership class had a well-timed reminder that it feels better to give than to receive.
During November, ASB sponsored a class-competition coin drive, with proceeds going to the North Pole at Ridgecrest. which works to bring holiday magic to children throughout our community. The competition raised $821, with the freshmen raising $317, sophomores $367, juniors $61, and seniors $76.
ASB Advisor Laura Larson said the response warmed her heart. She gave a special shoutout to Math Teacher Katie Wadley and her classes, who raised most of the money.
“They had quite the competition in her classes,” said Larson. “The Class of 2028 donated $228 and the Class of 2027 donated $326. We are so grateful to them.”
On Friday, Dec. 13, Larson and the ASB class presented the $821 check to Tony Malone, the “chief elf” behind the nonprofit organization. Believing “every kid needs a toy on Chrismas,” Malone invites children to write letters to Santa, which he works to fulfill through the donations received. From Thanksgiving through Jan. 6, the North Pole at Ridgecrest — 713 W. Alene Ave. — is transformed into a winter wonderland, with a letter-writing station, hot chocolate bar, toyland and bounce house.
After gifting the donation, the ASB crew stayed on hand to volunteer and see firsthand the magic created by donations like the one they had just made.
“It was such an amazing, heart-warming experience,” said senior Alissa Gutierrez. “I had so much fun helping kids write letters to Santa, singing Christmas songs with them, and giving out toys. The highest point was watching the ‘head elf’ Tony gift a little girl the bicycle she’s been asking for. Her face lit up with so much excitement and the happiest smile!”
Senior Daisy Risden agreed. “Helping out at the North Pole was fun and eye-opening,” said Risden. “It’s nice to see that there’s people who put the hard work in, like the head elf, to make Christmas special for everybody.”
Larson said ASB plans to make the coin drive and volunteering an annual affair.
“All in all, it was an amazing experience,” said Larson.
For more information about the project, visit northpoleatridgecrest.com.
