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KW High Students Meet Needs of 102 Fellow Students with ‘Season of Giving Angels’

KEY WEST (441 words) -- “’Tis better to give than receive” they say and some students at Key West High School would agree, especially Amanda Stanley, a KWHS senior and a University of Florida hopeful. She selects an angel off the “Season of Giving Angels” tree as a generous act to provide a gift for one of her fellow students in need. Located in the front office of KWHS, the tree has enough angels on it to match the 102 KWHS students identified through the guidance office and free lunch program as “in need.”

As part of Mindy Vinson’s job for Monroe Youth Challenge Program as Lower Keys Prevention Coordinator, she seeks ways to encourage students to be the change they want to see in the world and follow up on what they learned at Challenge Day last Fall. She and Assistant


Photo Credit: MYCP
Key West High School Senior and a University of Florida Hopeful Amanda Stanley selects an angel off the “Season of Giving Angels” tree as a generous act to provide a gift for one of her fellow students in need. A project of Monroe Youth Challenge Program, the tree is located in the front office of KWHS and open for anyone to adopt a needy student for a holiday gift.
  
Principal Christina McPherson created four seasonal themes for the school year students could identify with. The first season was spirit, now is the giving season and next comes achievement and personal development to finish the year. “When we thought of this program we had no idea how many kids would be in need. Only half the angels have been picked so far. I really hope the ‘Season of Giving’ proves true,” said Vinson.

Angels may be taken and provided for by students, staff, civic organizations, churches, and members of the public. Vinson said, “It seems like younger kids get the most attention. So, we are working with Just for Kids to make sure the gift giving is spread out.”

The KWHS Freshman Executive Board committed to adopt a few angels and take money out of the class coffers if needed. Superintendent Randy Acevedo and his wife Monique offered to adopt any angels left on the tree Dec. 21. Gifts are scheduled for distribution Friday, December 22.

‘Season of Giving Angels’ organizers have asked for a $20 gift certificate to be given to the students because, as high schoolers, they like the independence to pick their own gift. Some suggestions offered were Sears, Ross, CVS, Sam Goody, Walgreens, Champs, Rainbow, Payless, K-Mart, and places they can go for lunch like pizza restaurants, McDonalds, and Wendy’s.

In addition to a gift certificate, each present is set to include a personal hygiene kit. So far, Dentist Claude Harris of Key West has donated 100 tubes of toothpaste and 100 toothbrushes.

For more information on how to adopt an angel or provide 100 items for the personal hygiene kit, contact MYCP Lower Keys Prevention Coordinator Mindy Vinson at (305) 293-1549 ext 54422. Monroe Youth Challenge Program is a project of the Monroe County Education Foundation to foster acceptance, respect, and success in the youth of Monroe County. For more information about this project or any other MYCP-sponsored program go to www.monroe.k12.fl.us/mycp.

 
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