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Canfield students, staff excel in roles as angels
By christine Keeling
canfield
Brand-new bicycles and gift bags joined the rows of books in Canfield High School’s library.
Students and staff took their roles as Santa seriously and filled wish lists for 250 less-fortunate children.
The school’s student council has brought the Salvation Army’s Angel Giving Tree program to the school for at least 15 years. And this year, the council accepted 50 more Angel Tags than in previous years.
“We do it to show our students to be thankful and to be selfless,” said Joanna Bosnjak, the council’s adviser and a teacher. “It’s a good way for students to give back to the community.”
She said most of the students take the role seriously.
The student council’s treasurer, Laine Amendolara, filled the wishes of six children.
By Wednesday, the group had gifts for all but 75 tags. Each tag had a name of a child, their sizes and three gifts they would like to receive. Gift suggestions included toy trucks, baby dolls, mp3 players, paper and paint.
The council had 13 bicycles ready to roll.
Bosnjak said many homeroom teachers collect money from their students to purchase bigger items.
And one Canfield resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, has donated multiple bikes each year.
The council purchased gifts for any tags not filled from its funds before Friday’s pickup. It raises money by sponsoring dances at the school.
“This is a great way for high school students to get involved and help the community,” said senior Maggie Bresnahan, president of student council. “It’s cool our school makes it so easy for us to do this.”
Bosnjak said that as an adult, it was wonderful to watch the kids provide for other kids.