BY MARIAMI PANTSULAIA
Every holiday season, OBHS supports holiday charities like Toys for Tots, the Giving Tree, and a home food drive. Students, teachers, and staff collect toys, food, and different necessities, so everyone can experience the power of holidays.
Guy Lassen’s Peer class organized a toy collection for Toys for Tots. The Peer class worked diligently to promote the cause and complete a successful toy collection and delivery. “We built the boxes, made posters for it, and made videos promoting Toys for Tots for the school,” said Kaitlyn Janks.
During the distribution of the toys, Peer students dressed up in holiday attire and visited every school in Old Bridge to pick up the toy donations and make the holidays a magical experience for everyone. “This is going to be a highlight of my high school memories! It was so heartwarming to go into kindergarten classes and talk to them as elves and brighten their day,” said Danielle Flores. “It felt rewarding seeing how many toys we donated as a community.”
The Giving Tree, orchestrated by Student Assistance Counselors Jennifer McCann and Renee Galdieri, supports families in need by letting individuals and groups “adopt” them. “It took lots of time contacting families, have faculty sign up to buy gifts, organize and gather the gifts, and schedule delivery and pick-ups for families,” said Galdieri.
This charity involved multiple school groups and people across the school community who donated specific items requested for Old Bridge families. “I hope my donation will be able to bring joy, comfort, and support to those in need this holiday season,” said Emma Fanetti.
Another charity Old Bridge supported included a Thanksgiving food bank. Members of the community donated food, making a difference for families in need during that holiday season “There were so many people involved: clubs, organizations, faculty and staff from the high school, administration, the school nurses, the other SACS and the mental health coordinator,” said McCann.
This year Old Bridge brought happiness to families with all the different holiday charity events bringing the community together. Everyone worked collaboratively, making sure that families felt supported during this time of the year, truly spreading the spirit of the season.
Posted on December 23, 2025
Photos by Mariami Pantsulaia and Kaylee Weingarten
Knight Life 