How we help those in need?

December 25th is one of the important days of the year, besides Thanksgiving, in western civilization. This time of year family and friends come together to spend time to eat, sing and open presents, which could be an all day and night event. In America kids wake up on Christmas day running towards the Christmas tree to open and play or wear what they have received from the famous "Santa Claus" When kids thank their parents for the present and a good hot meal, after they usually play with the toys or wear the clothes they have gotten.

However, during Christmas not everyone is fortunate enough to have presents yet alone a good hot meal. Here on Galveston Island the community has volunteers that come together to help give those less fortunate a plate for families. Also school’s help children with no presents by organizing a toy drive, where they can get donations from the student, faculty and staff. This week at O’Connell High School, students were asked to bring in toys or blankets in order to receive free dress and off campus lunch.

After Hurricane Ike the island has been going back to some “normality” Fortunately, the city has not lost its Christmas spirit and the joy with the holiday coming closer. Just like every year, the city lit up the traditional Christmas tree. Many Galvestonians have decorated outside their houses and communities have lit up their streets with lights, bows and large ornaments.
Helping other people less fortunate during the holidays can bring a smile to both those you help and to you, because of the good duties you do for them. The work we do may be considered as being a Good Samaritan, just like in the bible when no one would help the hurt man only the man who covered his wounds and brought him back to health. We can be that one person that covers the wounds for the poor, with presents, food and the love of the community.

O’Connell High School is one of many schools’s that works very hard to provide clothes and other donations to help families that don’t have anything to give to their children and to get thru the winter, which brings many cold fronts and rain that is very cold. After Hurricane Ike students, faculty and staff have come together to keep the school on track, students have cafeteria duty, also they help teacher with keeping their room clean.

In this year we have seen our city get hit and almost even destroyed by the wrath of Hurricane Ike, but when the Galvestonians returned they didn’t let this defeat what they love and what they have created, they are rebuilding and building everything better. When the holidays come around the island isn’t afraid to stand up and keep doing the traditions they have always been accustomed to. So this holiday season we should all be thankful and help those in need.

-Jackie Tovar