Volunteers share the love with Giving Tree distribution

November 28, 2017 admin

In the morning of November 23th, the Community Service Club (CSC) left to volunteer at the Nurturing Talent Primary school for the Giving Tree Distribution. The Giving Tree Distribution, advised by Mrs. Sharon Ma, is an annual CSC event where the students deliver the donated gifts to a designated school of the year. The day before the event, they already finished packing the gifts through the Packing Party. There were a lot of gift bags to be delivered this year as SungHo Lee (11B), the President of CSC shared, “Even though we had to fill up 250 more bags compared to last year, we completed it without any major [conflict]” The CSC was joined by volunteers from the Chinese Track student body and the faculty, including Principal Kelly Ridings.

When the team arrived to the school, they helped carry the bags to different homerooms. In each homeroom, a group of volunteers handed out the bags that were each assigned to a specific student in the school based on the student’s gender and interests. The children were delighted as they opened their gift bags. “I feel happy!” one kid exclaimed. When asked about other questions, he just repeated how happy he is, “I’m really happy.”

**Sophia Lee and students help transfer the bags**

CSC officers who were in charge of leading the program were contented as well. To express their gratitude for the participants of the program, officers of CSC delivered inspirational speeches in front of everyone who were involved in the Giving Tree Distribution, including the Nurturing Primary School’s students and their parents. Ginny Choi (11A), the Vice President of CSC, shared, “We have this annual activity because to share our love and to create a better world.”

The distribution turned out to be successful, and the team was more than satisfied. “I have volunteered for Giving Tree because I really wanted to help these children. I wanted to make a change, [and] it was great! After looking the smiles on these children’s face, I felt proud that I could actually help [them]… I actually thought the half-day was too short. It would have been better if the distribution ceremony was full-day.” Ginny expressed. “I am already ready for next year Giving Tree! It was a great experience! I wish more people could participate in these types of activities.” SungHo also added, “I was in the Giving Tree group for the three years, including this year. This year’s Giving Tree was so far the best Giving Tree I ever had. None of the kids had broken toys [or] wrong gifts. [As Mrs. Ma also said,] it was the smoothest Giving Tree distribution I ever had. I really would like to thank everyone who worked hard for this year’s Giving Tree. I hope this can be continued next year!”

Watch Film Club’s interview with Mrs. Sharon Ma.

Photos courtesy of KaiXing