Franklin High and Macon Middle students brought cheer and presents to the residents of Macon Citizens Habilities on Wednesday, Dec. 14.
“It is one of our most exciting days of the year,” said MCH Director Christi Huff. “We’re well past 25 years of the kids coming and each year it just gets bigger and better. Our folks look forward to it. We just appreciate the community interaction. The kids get a chance to be involved with our folks and our folks get to be involved in their lives.”
In total, 120 FHS students from the Future Business Leaders of America were joined by the MMS chapter as well.
“The folks at MCH hold a special place in my heart and I love them dearly,” said Michelle Brooks, the FHS teacher who organized the event. “I look forward to many years to come being involved with this amazing group of individuals.”
Gifts were purchased by students, as well as FHS organizations SKILLS USA and HOSA.
“All together we delivered well over 600 gifts to the 52 clients at MCH this year,” Brooks said. “Santa came along to visit as well as the Chick-fil-A cow who handed out cards for free chicken sandwiches to be enjoyed at a later date. Upon leaving MCH staff surprised all the students with cookies and water as they headed back to school.”
The rainy weather didn’t deter the students or volunteers who arrived by the busload early in the afternoon. The students interacted with and talked to the MCH residents they brought gifts to, some even playing games.
“It is strictly a volunteer basis, and it always amazes me the outpouring of love FHS students show MCH clients with the presents they buy them,” Brooks said. “Allowing the students the opportunity to actually deliver the presents they purchased to the clients at MCH lets them enjoy seeing the joy they brought to ‘their’ person this Christmas season.”