As the winter season approaches, charities start collecting items needed during the holiday season. The annual Community Service Organization (CSO) Holiday Gift Drive is a cherished event in GA’s community that takes specific donated items from the GA community and gives them to organizations like Gemma Services, American Ukrainian Relief Association (AURA) and Southwestern Enrichment Center of Philadelphia. GA hosts the annual gift drive to give back to the community by providing items others need. CSO makes this impactful event happen by working closely with other organizations to meet the needs of the surrounding community.
Every year, different organizations are carefully selected to be a part of the drive. In the past, they have partnered with the Mitzvah Circle, Cradles to Crayons and Gemma Services.
“This year, it’s Gemma Services, American Ukrainian Relief Association (AURA), and Southwestern Enrichment Center of Philadelphia”, Mr. Robert Moyer, Upper School History Teacher & Co-Director of CSO, said.
Gemma Services is a non-profit organization that serves Greater Philadelphia, which GA has supported in past years. Each year, they provide children aged six through fourteen with unlimited care and support. Their mission statement strongly emphasizes the support they give their children to help them overcome the difficulties they are facing.
American Ukrainian Relief Association (AURA) is also a non-profit organization that currently gives aid to the war in Ukraine. They are a volunteer-based charity, allowing others to help contribute to their mission in Philadelphia.
Southwest Enrichment Center of Philadelphia is a local non-profit organization that offers social and educational services to all ages. They are run by the local community, with their mission focusing on self-worth and discussing how to approach issues in the community.
Each organization requires a different type of donation, but it’s something anyone can provide.
“Some organizations will want food, others toys and many often wish for clothes,” Cece Fikioris ‘26, CSO senior leader, said.
As expected, organizing numerous events with different charities is a complicated task.
“We meet every Monday as CSO leaders, talk to Mr. Moyer and plan out any event that we have coming up,” Brynn Sweeney ‘26, CSO senior leader, said. “We’ll be talking about what to donate, how much and what specifically we are going to give.”
Charities like the ones stated above greatly appreciate GA’s efforts, as the donations have a profound impact on the people who receive them.
“Upper School CSO and the target organizations want to create awareness and be able to deliver a message that is impactful”, Mr. Carlos Chubb, Upper School Spanish Teacher & Co-Director of CSO, said.
While the holidays are a time for celebration and spending time with family and friends, CSO emphasizes the importance of giving back through community service. GA partnered with multiple charities each year, offering students the opportunity to support the community. Through empowerment, GA makes a meaningful impact by fostering empathy, responsibility and creating a lasting connection to the community.