Members of the Byron-Bergen Central School District’s learning community can always be counted on to provide assistance to neighbors in need during the holidays. For many years, district students, teachers, staff, and administrators have worked together with local partners to make the season happier for everyone in the Byron-Bergen area. This year’s Holiday Community Service program collected toys and games, clothing items, rolls of wrapping paper, boxes for wrapping gifts, and over 1,200 non-perishable food items. In addition, close to $6,000 was donated by the faculty, staff, and others in the learning community to purchase gifts for district families in need. Many area businesses, churches, and community members also helped out by “adopting” local families and individuals, providing special holiday gifts.
The district partnered with the local Hesperus Lodge No. 837 Free & Accepted Masons, where donated items were taken for sorting and packing. Organized by Dick Sands, the Masons and employees from both the Byron-Bergen Elementary and Jr./Sr. High schools, Board of Education members, and community volunteers pitched in to help. More school volunteers helped deliver over 100 food baskets and gifts before the holidays.
“The magic of this special season is the community spirit it inspires in so many of us,” said District Superintendent Mickey Edwards. “I am so proud of the generosity shown by all of our students and by everyone in our schools.”
A big part of the program’s success this year was the contribution made by the Varsity Club Holiday Food Drive. Student athletes from the high school winter sports teams pulled together to collect almost 600 non-perishable food items. Each year, the teams take part in a friendly competition to collect the most food items. The boys basketball team collected the most items this year.
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