Herndon Career Center Students from SkillsUSA, FBLA, and FCCLA Purchase 97 gifts for 68 Children and 8 Holiday Dinners for 8 Families!

Students raise 60% more than last year!

On Friday afternoon, December 14, 2007, when many teens were heading off to hang out with their friends or go to their weekend jobs, Herndon Career Center students set out to purchase gifts for needy children in the community. The students raised $1,637.14 in their annual Silver Drive which was a 60% growth in funds raised since last year. Students met at Wal-Mart on 350 Highway to purchase gifts for the children on the angel tree. In all, they were able to purchase 97 gifts for 68 children on the tree; and, to top that off, they had enough left to purchase 8 holiday meals from HyVee for 8 needy families. These meals will feed a family of eight, and the families can choose either a 10-12 lb. turkey or a 5 lb. ham along with their side dishes and pies.

Click here for Silver Drive Gallery

In addition to the funds the students raised, Wal-Mart donated an additional $66.03 toward the childrens gifts. As Herndon students left Wal-Mart, they dug deep into their own pockets and dropped additional coins and dollars into the Salvation Army tin.

Their afternoon work was not yet over; however, as the students hopped into their cars, and the long train of cars traveled to Raytown Emergency Assistance Program (REAP) to deliver the gifts and the holiday meal certificates. Mr. Al Brown, Director of REAP spoke to the students about the needs in the community and how the items would be distributed. He commended them on a job well done. Students left with smiles on their faces knowing they had truly made a difference.