To do their part in giving back during the holiday season, members of NHS have been putting together boxes of gifts to be donated to Operation Christmas Child.

“I think this is a good project because at Christmas time here in the US we take for granted how much we receive and it’s not about how much it costs, it’s about having something to open on Christmas day,” NHS sponsor Angie Mason said.

This is the second year that NHS has participated in Operation Christmas Child. About three weeks ago, members were informed that they would have the opportunity to earn club points, once again, through this project.

“It’s in all of our meetings and on social media,” Senior NHS Vice President Nick Cole said.

Students were asked to pick an age- and gender-specific box to build, and aside from a few guidelines, they had the freedom to build their boxes however they wanted. They were also asked to include a $7 donation to help with shipping costs.

“I did little girls’ accessories; a brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, some school supplies, and candy,” Senior NHS President Jackie Jorel said.

Today was the final day to turn in boxes. A total of 43 boxes were collected. After school the boxes will be taken to Dardenne Presbyterian Church, which is a drop-off location for this project. The boxes will then be shipped to a church overseas and distributed to children in Africa.

“Christmas and getting gifts are important to kids and since we’re so fortunate, we should help other people,” Jorel said.