This holiday season, the Italian Honor Society raised money to buy families who are less fortunate presents for their children. Mrs. Montouri, as well as the Society’s officers, went to Target to pick out gifts for nine children. These gifts consisted of toy monster trucks, nail polish sets, and more for children who are unable to receive Christmas gifts over the holidays. 

The Italian Honor Society raises money for this purpose every year, along with the Spanish Honor Society, who participates in the same program. As an annual tradition, Mrs. Montouri states, “I think having the holiday wish list is a great program that is run for the community.” The program “BMUST Holiday Wish List” is run through the teachers’ union with the Community Cupboard. Mrs. Montuori shares the Italian Honor Society’s involvement in this program every year, saying, “I like to do it every year and have officers come and help out.” Therefore, the Italian Honor Society officers took a trip to Target where they picked out Christmas presents requested by the kids through the program. Italian Honor Society President Mia Stellmann shares, “I know a few people that we shopped for and they told me how memorable it made their holiday.” It not only feels good to give back to someone, but being able to give gifts to people in an unfortunate situation is cherishing for them, and it’s, as Stellmann states, “What the holidays are all about.”

“Knowing that these presents help people that we might know is always something that is treasuring,” Mrs. Montuori revealed. The program will be run again next year, where more presents will be given to children who are unable to receive gifts. Although most associate the holiday season with getting and giving gifts to their friends and family, it is important to note the impact of giving gifts to people who typically would not receive them, even if you do not know them.