Embrace the holiday spirit and donate to the TLC Present Drive!

Receiving gifts is surely a highlight of the holidays to many, but some children don’t have that same opportunity. The Teen Leadership Corps (TLC) Present Drive aims to help those in the foster care system.

For 15 years, social studies teacher Mrs. Sarah Sams has been sponsoring the TLC club as well as the Present Drive. The goal is to “provide lots of presents at Christmas time, especially if [the child] is newly placed in a foster home,” Mrs. Sams explained.

Typically, 40 names are shared with the TLC group from Beaver County Child and Youth Services, with three gift requests per child. Basic age and demographic information is shared to ensure the best fitting present possible.

The shopping is completed by students, faculty, and community members. Countless students also help to wrap presents during study hall times.

To find out what gifts are needed, a registry is built using Amazon and Target. The pandemic was actually a large help in turning to remote services for these online gift lineups allowing many more people to access and donate.

Mrs. Sams shares that students often team up and shop with friends as many gifts are relatively inexpensive.

For those wishing to help in either big or small ways, the requested items can be found online at “tinyurl.com/tlcpresentdrive” or by scanning any of the QR codes in the hallways. Cash donations are also greatly appreciated!

This holiday season, spread some cheer by helping the TLC Present Drive, and more importantly, helping a foster child have a happy holiday season!