During the holiday season, there are those who could use a pick-me-up and others that may need extra resources to make it through the cold and bitter Illinois winter. Pekin Community High School (PCHS) is giving back to the community and students in numerous ways–not just during the Holidays, it happens all year round!

The Alliance Christmas Fund, a program that provides PCHS students gifts for the holidays, is run by PCHS teacher Courtney Joyce. Through fundraising nights hosted by Monical’s and Panda Express, as well as donations, The Alliance Christmas Fund provides up to 150 students gift cards and certificates during the holiday season.

“Students are chosen by teachers and counselors based on factors such as need, academic excellence, and leadership,” Joyce stated. 

The best ways to donate to The Alliance Christmas Fund are through monetary donations, visiting their fundraising events, and offering gift certificates or coupons from local businesses that will be given to each student chosen for the program. 

On Nov. 12, Monical’s hosted a fundraising event, where anyone could come and paint on glass plates and eat. The money raised went towards The Alliance Christmas Fund. Joyce hopes to have more fundraising events in the future. One possible event idea is a silent auction where people or businesses in the community can donate baskets for bidding, with proceeds going to the fund. 

Some families in the community live in circumstances where they are in need of resources such as hygiene products, clothing, food items, etc. At registration, or anytime in the counselor’s office, students can sign up for biweekly passes to the Dragon’s Closet. The Dragon’s Closet is a resource that PCHS offers that provides these items for students to take home for themselves and their families. Life Skills classes at PCHS help to organize donations, go shopping for items, and write passes for students to access the Dragon’s Closet during advisory every other week. 

2024 is Val Springborn’s first year overseeing the Dragon’s Closet. “Monetary donations are always welcome, and we always have the collection bins by the principal’s office for high school-appropriate clothing, especially winter clothes like winter coats and gloves. We are always in need of hygiene items. We also take canned foods and individually packaged snacks,” said Springborn.

Donating to the Dragon’s Closet–whether it is monetary or gently used clothing items–is undeniably a wonderful way to serve the community. 

PCHS works endlessly to provide opportunities and to support students in need. One can help to support students and their families by donating coats to the Dragon’s Closet or donating to the Pekin Alliance Christmas Fund to spread some holiday cheer. The invading, cold temperatures are here, and a nice winter hat or a gift could truly put a smile on a neighbor’s face.