Somerset County VoTech Students Celebrate Spirit of Giving

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School (SCVTHS) community came together once again to make the holidays a little brighter for those in need.

Student groups at the school ran multiple collection drives in the weeks leading up to the Christmas holiday, delivering presents and comfort throughout the community.

Students in the Cosmetology Program partnered with the school’s Connect4Cancer club to collect toys for patients being treated at the pediatrics unit at Memorial Sloan Kettering Pediatric Cancer Center and at Children’s Specialized Hospital.

This is the 9th year cosmetology students have accepted donations for the toy drive, which is held in memory of Mackenzie Wright, the niece of Cosmetology instructor Julie Francis.

The TOPS program at SCVTHS once again partnered with Agape House, a division of Volunteers of America to help provide toys for local families in need. Agape House provides emergency shelter for families, and students gathered and wrapped presents in hopes of making some holiday wishes come true.

As a result of their efforts, 37 children who would otherwise not have received presents had something to unwrap this holiday season.

Members of the school’s chapter of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) collected 75 coats for the Jersey Cares Winter Coat Drive. Jersey Cares will distribute the coats throughout New Jersey, helping people in need of something warm to wear this winter find some comfort during the coldest months.

— Submitted by Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School (SCVTHS)