OC schools give back to their communities for the holidays

Teachers wrap gifts for their students
Teachers from Eisenhower Elementary in the Garden Grove Unified School District wrap gifts for their students. (Courtesy of GGUSD)

What better way to kick off the holiday season than by spreading holiday cheer?

Students, teachers and district staff across Orange County found unique ways to give back to their students and communities and brighten the holidays for those in need.

At Dwyer Middle School in the Huntington Beach City School District, students hand-decorated ornaments for local senior citizens in assisted living communities.

Meanwhile, at Eisenhower Elementary in the Garden Grove Unified School District, teachers worked together to make their students’ holidays even more special. Educators from all grades wrapped gifts for their students, either using donations from community members or purchasing the gifts themselves.

Students and teachers weren’t the only ones giving back this season. The Anaheim Elementary School District, in partnership with Lifestyle Cycles, hosted a bike and toy distribution for over 1,000 students from Orange Grove Elementary and Patrick Henry Elementary. Each student was given a brand-new bike, while each of their siblings received a toy.

“This toy distribution is very much needed as many of our families continue to experience tough economic times,” said Jesse Chavarria, superintendent of Anaheim Elementary School District. “We are thankful for the community coming together to support our students this holiday season.”  

These holiday acts of kindness, along with the many others shared below, showcase the generosity and spirt of Orange County’s school communities.