The Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (or FCCLA) class at T.C. Roberson High School (TCR) is continuing a new tradition this year of bringing 🎁gift bags to seniors this holiday season. In collaboration with Meals on Wheels, the FCCLA chapter at TCR are making over 40 gift bags to personally deliver to senior residents who get Meals on Wheels. The gifts, delivered with a warm smile and a Christmas carol, brighten up the senior’s days and make them feel valued, says FCCLA student Monica Carachure. “It lets them know we still care about them; that they’re still an important part of the community.”
Last year, Monica and fellow FCCLA student Jimena Grande Fernandez took the concept of their community work and presented it at the FCCLA conference for young leaders. Last year, Jimena says, they learned a lot about ways to improve the project and its goal of delivering holiday joy to seniors. They hope to bring the project back to the conference this year with what they’ve improved on.
“But really, it’s about giving back to the elders in the community,” says Jimena. “I love delivering the gifts and seeing them light up - they don’t expect it.”