Words: Vaishnavi Mahalingam

From November 30 to December 11, the National Honor Society is holding a Syrian Refugee Clothing Drive. Students may donate new or gently used winter wear, including but not limited to jackets, scarves, gloves, mittens, hats, and boots. If the student includes a note with his or her grade level, he or she can earn points for the grade in Battle of the Classes. People who choose to donate can drop off their items in the bins at the front office or near the side entrance. Additionally, some teachers are offering their students extra credit for donating, and boxes will also be located in these teachers’ rooms.

According to the president of the society, Barry Plunkett, the idea for the clothing drive came from Bridgeway Community Church. Each year, the church holds a gift drive called Angels for Kids. An advocate for the refugees approached the church this year with the idea to direct part of the gift drive towards orphanages in Maryland that support the refugees.  Bridgeway asked the National Honor Society for assistance in gathering the clothing items.

Plunkett is one of the coordinators of the clothing drive at Centennial.  “The Centennial NHS Chapter is well known for its exceptional organization and highly active and committed membership,” he commented, “and…the broader Centennial community has a reputation for generously supporting underprivileged communities.”

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