Refugees Club Thanksgiving Drive

By Guadalupe Villa Salas

At White Plains High School, making a positive impact goes beyond the classroom. This year, the Students for Refugees Club organized a successful donation drive to support those in need, continuing a powerful tradition of service.

Our Mission

The drive was intended to provide essential resources for refugees while raising awareness about their experiences. “Our goal is to help refugees and make a real difference in their lives, not just spread awareness,” shared Emily, a club leader.

The club partnered with the nonprofit Heart for Homes, whose mission aligns perfectly with our values. Through this organization, White Plains High School has annually participated in the Thanksgiving Drive and other events, like Love Your Neighbor. The club is tasked with collecting donations, which include toiletries, clothing, and cleaning supplies, to make the transition to regular life smoother for newly arrived refugees.

“We promote and gather as many products as possible to ensure that each family receives the basic items everyone deserves,” Emily explained. “It’s a lasting tradition for our club and knowing that what we donate makes a difference is incredibly rewarding.”

Goals and Achievements

Each drive has specific goals, and this year was no different. “Our goal was to collect as many toiletries and essential items as possible for the refugees,” shared Anastasiia, another club leader. “Thankfully, we were able to meet that goal thanks to the generosity of our school community.”

Club members even attended a Friendsgiving event, handing out the care packages they helped assemble. For Anastasiia, the experience was especially meaningful.

“It was a great time, getting to know some of the refugees and hearing their stories. It made me realize that they’re people, like us, who need a helping hand,” she reflected. “Seeing their smiles as they received the goody bags warmed my heart.”

Anastasiia eagerly pointed out her community, “it’s inspiring to see how our school came together to support such an important cause,” Anastasiia said. “It makes me feel positive knowing I did something good to help others.”

Through compassion, teamwork, and dedication, the Students for Refugees Club proved that anyone willing to help can make a change, no matter how miniature it may seem. The club’s efforts ensure that refugees feel welcome, supported, and valued in their new home — a mission they hope to continue.