Souhegan Helps Santa Reach Kids in Need

There are going to be a lot of happy children this holiday, thanks to the efforts of the students at Souhegan High School.

Advisory groups in the high school sent gifts to 49 local children this week through the Christmas Wish Program from the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter.

There groups of 10-11 students throughout the school either donated or raised funds to buy these children some pretty spectacular gifts, such as an iPod Nano, Nintendo DSi, bicycles, toys, clothing and even a Nintendo Wii.

A total of 350 gifts were sent to children and teenagers in the area who are less fortunate.

Maggie Paul, community service program coordinator, said that the students put in a lot of effort each year to make sure these individuals have something special this holiday.

“Every year, the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter seems to have more and more need,” said Paul. “Not only is it good community service, it is also really heartwarming to see our kids look after others.”

The gifts were collected on Tuesday and sent to storage owned by Goodale's Bike Shop in Nashua, where they will be picked up by the parents. Other schools and organizations in New Hampshire also participate.

Paul said that the school has been running the program for 18 years and is proud that they are able to give gifts to so many children each year.

Students were also happy to send some holiday cheer to those in need.

“We felt like really lucky that we are able to give back because most of us are pretty privileged and it is nice to give back to the less fortunate,” said sophomore Caree Pitts.

Her group bought an iPod Nano and an iTunes gift card for their child, which she said was on the top of their list.

Sophomore Jessica Concannon said that although they do not meet the kids they give the presents to, it is still nice to know that she is sharing the holiday spirit.

“It feels good because we realize how fortunate we are and give back to the community by giving to a child in need.”

For more information on the Nashua Soup Kitchen and how you can help, visit their website.