Anna Puderbaugh | Staff Writer

Christmas lights, hot chocolate, opening presents. For many, these things come to mind during the holiday season. For others, the stress of finances loom large. The Ray Skillman Clothe-a-Child program aims to combat this fear by providing clothing, shoes and toys for children to open on Christmas. Many students volunteered their time to help the cause earlier this week.

“We went to the Ray Skillman Auto Museum and wrapped gifts for less fortunate children,” said sophomore Kaniese Mack. “I enjoy wrapping gifts and felt good about the fact that I was helping others in the process, so it was a win-win.”

The ability to help out during the holiday season is ideal for many students.

“I love how this program gives me the opportunity to help people out within the community,” said sophomore Hannah Sendek.

Providing Christmas presents to many children from many schools can be quite the challenge.

“Despite all of the work, it’s fun to get together with your friends while you wrap,” said Sendek.

Center Grove students were joined by volunteers from other schools and organizations, but they all united for the same purpose.

“I personally thought it was really fun and all the people were really connected by the common goal of helping others,” said sophomore Ali Fanter. “There were so many volunteers willing to donate their time to help well-deserving kids get a great Christmas.”

Along with helping the community, students reaped other benefits.

“It helped to put me in the holiday spirit,” said Sendek.

Overall, students were more than pleased with their participation in the program.

“It was a really cool experience,” said Mack. “I would totally recommend participating next year because they can use as much help as they can get,” said Fanter.

The volunteers & Ray Skillman organization helped to ensure that so many kids will have smiles on their faces on Christmas morning.