There are many ways you can give back during the winter season, especially by donating money to charities, or giving old toys or even clothes that you don’t use anymore to people who might not have warm clothes or any gifts this time of year. Many students at Edison Intermediate School (EIS) shared what they do to give back. EIS student Mia Sorofani stated, “I volunteer at the women’s shelter, and my family donates to canned food drives.”
Another helpful action is to donate with Angel Tree which is an organization that asks people who can’t afford gifts for their children what they wish for. Then, charity donors can look over a child’s list and buy them things they need or want. Angel Tree helps kids who may need items that their parents cannot afford such as warm jackets and boots to keep them warm and comfortable during these cold temperatures. “I donate to Angel Tree every year during the holidays,” EIS student Katherine said.
In 2026, you should make it your goal to donate to people in need, even if it is as simple as old clothes you don’t fit in or a toy that you don’t use anymore. You can volunteer at shelters or food pantries, you can donate canned goods during your school’s food drive. Even if you see someone on the street asking for food you can buy some for them. “One time I was eating pizza with my family in New York. We had a lot of leftover pizza, so my dad went outside and gave about half a pie of pizza to a lady who was sleeping on the street with a sign next to her that said ‘anything helps.’ She was very grateful and hugged my dad,” writer and eighth grader Aleena Mehovic explained.
Edison Intermediate School often partners with the Westfield Food Pantry to help support local families in need, especially during the holiday season such as Thanksgiving and winter. In the past, the school has held food drives where students donated items and classes competed to collect the most food, sometimes earning fun rewards like pizza parties.
To find out when the next food drive is happening, students and families should check announcements from Edison Intermediate School. You can also visit the Westfield Food Pantry’s website or Facebook page for updates and information about current needs.
When food drives are taking place, the Westfield Food Pantry usually looks for everyday, nonperishable items. Commonly needed donations include peanut butter, canned soups, fruits, vegetables, beans, fish, and stew, and pasta. Monetary donations and grocery store gift cards are also very helpful and allow the pantry to buy items they need most. All donations support the Westfield Food Pantry, located at 425 North Avenue East, and help make a real difference in our community.
In conclusion, helping and giving back to our community by donating, and helping in every way you can benefits many people’s lives. This year, try and make it your top priority to help people in need and donate what you can because helping even the smallest things goes a long way.
