The holidays are traditionally a time of familial love, Christmas movies, and the aroma of brewing hot chocolate and baked delights. This winter, however, the coronavirus has thrown unforeseen hardships upon many people. Some Klein Oak students are volunteering to spread holiday cheer in the face of uncertainty.

“I decided to volunteer at the food pantry because after some of us being lucky enough to have a table full of food on Thanksgiving, there are others who are not as fortunate, so being able to give a little is never a bad thing,” junior Sheila Hernandez said. “Giving a small amount of my time to help those in need makes me feel good and I feel like I am making a change.”

A study published by NPR surveyed approximately 3,500 people in July and early August and found that nearly half of American households suffered lost jobs or pay cuts due to the pandemic. Putting food on the table is becoming a more prevalent struggle and students are stepping up in droves to bring festive foods to families in need.

“I volunteered with my entire family for Families Feeding Families, an organization that gives meals to families in need. We were in charge of Traffic Duty, and I helped people find the exit once they received their meals and waved goodbye to every family as they exited,” sophomore Faith Faherty said. “I wish that the families could have seen me smile, but we all wore masks to make sure everyone was safe. I had a lot of fun doing good for the community with my family. We volunteered to make sure that the people who may not know where their next meal is coming from receive a warm meal made by people who care.”

Homes of the vulnerable and immunocompromised may be finding little comfort in the season typically filled with bountiful joviality. Oak students are making it a point to raise morale this winter for those in difficult circumstances by using their unique abilities, such as the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

“Our members, myself included, wanted to come together and spread some holiday cheer and remind them there’s joy to find in these dark times we live in. I hope our music and generosity touched the hearts of those hospice patients,” Numan added. “This experience truly taught me the importance of lending a helping hand to those hurting and empowered me to make a difference, even though a global pandemic.”

No one is bringing warmth to the coldest time of year quite like the students at Klein Oak. With open arms, they offer food to aid families struggling from the abrupt tribulations of 2020 as well as innovative ways to elevate the spirits of elderly people spending the holidays alone. The charitable acts done by individuals combine to give a more festive time of merriment to the students contributing their time, money, and effort, as well as the recipients of their good deeds.