Students spread holiday cheer

Editor's note: Harvey serves as advisor for Monroeville Schools' National Honor Society. The National Honor Society (NHS) and Teen Leadership Council (TLC) recently joined forces to volunteer at Victory Soup Kitchen's 33rd annual Shoebox Christmas event, helping the nonprofit prepare more than 3,000 gifts for children in need throughout the community. Students dedicated their time to carefully packaging presents into festive boxes, ensuring each child would receive a special surprise during the holiday season. The boxes contained essential items and toys that many families might not otherwise be able to provide. For NHS and TLC member Madison Reiber, the experience was deeply meaningful. "When we were about to leave, looking around and seeing all the boxes we had put together in such a short amount of time was incredible," Reiber said. "It wasn't a big or difficult task, but it truly will make an impact on hundreds of children." Reiber reflected on the importance of the gifts being distributed. "There are things in those boxes we often take for granted, but they only get a few times a year," she explained. The experience reinforced a valuable lesson: "It doesn't take a lot to make a huge impact." The volunteer work also resonated with Reiber on a personal level. "I've always enjoyed giving back, but realizing how genuinely simple it is to go out and make a difference stood out to me," she said. Rachel Fries, another NHS and TLC student volunteer, also found the experience rewarding. "I personally enjoy wrapping gifts, so that was fun for me," Fries said. "I think that it is great for anyone and everyone to volunteer, especially close to the holidays. It was rewarding to know that what I was doing would impact another family that may be less fortunate than I am." This is one of my most favorite days of the year with the students. Giving back to the community reminds us that we're all connected and that even small acts of kindness can create ripples of hope. When our students engage in service, they're not just helping others they're developing empathy, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to making the world a better place. These experiences shape them into compassionate citizens who understand their power to create positive change. The event exemplified the core values of both the National Honor Society and the Teen Leadership Council, demonstrating how youth leadership and community service can combine to brighten the holiday season for families in need. Kelli Brumbaugh serves as the advisor for the Teen Leadership Council.