Starting back in mid November, the main office’s Administrative Assistants Arlene Kearns and Marilyn Jarvis began the collection of donations for the annual FHN Adopt-a-Family drive. The drive will continue through tomorrow, Dec. 14, but so far, Kearns said about $600 to $700 has been collected.

“I think it’s a wonderful thing to do,” Jarvis said. “We’re not going outside of our school, we’re helping those within. It’s a really good idea.”

The drive collects money to buy Christmas presents for selected less-fortunate families at North. This year, eight families will receive gifts “from Santa.”

“[My favorite part] is the shopping and actually giving the gifts to parents,” Kearns said.

Most donations are monetary, however, some clubs such as National Honors Society (NHS) and StuCo buy gifts and donate them. Publications Adviser Aaron Manfull also donates yearbooks to FHN students of the families, and Volunteer Knights have held two hat days and donated all proceeds to Adopt-a-Family.

“I think it’s really nice to help people that need help,” Ami Patel, junior and member of NHS, said. “I had to bring in a $10 gift card to Shop N Save. I would if I didn’t even have to anyways.”

When the families are chosen, Kearns calls the parents to let them know and to request a list of things the family needs or wants. According to Kearns, basic necessities such as cleaning supplies or groceries are typically requested, however they still give gifts ranging anywhere from iPods to movies to clothes shopping gift cards.

“When you call a parent and tell them you’re going to do that for their family, they get overwhelmed,” Kearns, who makes the phone calls to parents, said. “Some start crying on the phone. It’s very moving.”

This tradition started at North eight years ago by Kearns and Jarvis when they thought a drive like Adopt-a-Family would be a good idea. Donations are collected through an email sent out to FHN staff and contributions from various clubs throughout the school.

“It just really puts me in the Christmas spirit and basically makes me realize what Christmas is all about,” Jarvis said. “I’m happy for them. I’m happy we could do it.”

The presents are wrapped and ready to be picked up by the last days of the first semester, which will be Dec. 19-21 this year. A part of one of the final days of school is given to gift wrapping in the main office. Student office helpers and some office workers pitch in their help for wrapping and labeling each present.

“I’m overwhelmed at the generosity of our students and faculty,” Jarvis said. “FHN’s a very caring school, and everybody really comes through. We hope to continue this every year.”