Staff and students at Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School raised more than $4,000 this holiday season for students in need.
School adjustment counselor, Elizabeth A. Griffin (Rotary Club of Bourne Sandwich Member) has been organizing the “Secret Santa” fundraiser for a few years. She collects monetary donations from staff as well as contributions from local businesses or organizations such as Homeless for the Holidays, the Rotary Club of Bourne-Sandwich and the Weary Travelers.
Nearly 150 students and their families received $25 gift cards, and more than 30 students received $50 gift cards.
“I think it’s really important that we instill in our students the practice of being good stewards and helping your neighbor,” Superintendent Roger Forget said.
The school also put up a Christmas tree in the center vestibule of its main building, which they call the “Mitten Tree.”
Students took the lead this year to hang mittens, hats and scarves on the tree throughout the holiday season, with the help of staff members.
Every year, Upper Cape Tech chooses an organization from one of the towns that sends students to the school—Falmouth, Bourne, Sandwich, Wareham and Marion—to receive the collection of winter accessories.
This year the hats and mittens will go to the Falmouth Service Center, a food pantry and community service center.
“We are happy to help and strengthen our community as well as to set that example for the students in our school,” Mr. Forget said.