Students involved with the Tharptown High School student council prepare care packages for patients of Southern Care Hospice.

THARPTOWN – A group of students at Tharptown High School took time this past week to give back to their community through a project that provides for others during this holiday season.
On Tuesday, students involved in the THS student council helped prepare care packages of fruit, candy and other items for patients of Southern Care Hospice.
Karen Hovater, the volunteer coordinator for Southern Care Hospice, said they try to do something like this each year for their patients and they enjoy getting local students involved.
“We want to give our patients something special around this time of year because not all of them have family or anyone else they’ll be seeing for the holidays,” Hovater said.
“We see our patients often, so it’s nice to get the students involves so our patients know that there are kids here locally who care about them and hope they have a very merry and happy Christmas.”
Hovater said she also hopes the volunteer work will get the students to think about what all they can do to help others during the rest of the year as well.
“Christmas is a big time for people to do a lot of different volunteer projects, but there are many people who need love and care throughout the year,” Hovater said.
“We hope these students enjoy making the care packages and see how simple it can be to do something that will really brighten someone else’s day.
“Hopefully this will be something they want to continue in the future.”
Mariah Hodge, the THS student council president, said the students have enjoyed putting the care packages together.
“We all know this is for a good cause so that makes it not really feel like work,” Hodge said.
“We know some of these people may not have anyone else in the area who will send them presents at Christmas, so we hope this brightens their day.”
Hodge said she’s discovered through the project how rewarding it is to give back to someone else.
“It’s been fun knowing that we’re going to help other people by what we’re doing,” she said.
“It just feels good to think about these baskets making someone so happy.”
Michelle Lozada, the faculty sponsor for the THS student council, said the students have really gotten involved with this project.
“This is the first year for us to do this particular project for Christmas, but we always try to do something around the holidays to help the community,” Lozada said.
“The kids seem to enjoy it and we know it will go for a good cause.”
Hovater said she appreciated the THS students being willing to take on this project and do it with such enthusiasm.
“These are good students and we are so thankful for all they’ve done,” she said. “I know our patients will appreciate it very much, too.”
Lozada said the THS student council is also sponsoring an Angel Tree and there are several children left on the tree who still need presents.
Anyone who would like to help with the THS Angel Tree can either pick up and angel at the school or give donations of toys or money that will be given to the angel tree children.