The holiday season is the perfect time to spread joy, kindness, and generosity—and for students at Apex High School, there are plenty of ways to give back to the community. Whether through school-sponsored events or local outreach programs, there are countless opportunities to make a difference and brighten someone’s holiday season.

One of the most impactful ways to give back during the holidays is by participating in an Angel Tree program. This doesn’t even have to be through the school, but just around your community. Many Apex businesses and stores often collaborate with local organizations like The Salvation Army and Western Wake Crisis Ministry to set up Angel Trees. These trees feature “angels” with the names of children or families in need. By picking an angel, you can help fulfill a wish list with gifts or provide items such as clothes, toys, or essentials. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to make someone’s holidays special. To complete this process online, go to this link and select “Adopt Angels” to be provided with a full list of children in need.

They also have a lot of local trees, one I found most recently is at the Taylor Family YMCA, which a lot of Cougars go to for Apex’s Swim and Dive team practices. If you go into the main lobby, you can find a Christmas tree with tags where you can select an angel. This simple gesture can give back to the community in ways you can’t imagine

Walking around the halls, you may notice posters hung up about a Toy and Book Drive for Children at the WakeMed Children’s Hospital. These posters were made by our lovely students in the ECS Special Education class.

Mr. Wildasin, the teacher and advisor for this drive writes that “[The students] are working on planning the service project and they have chosen kids in the hospital as the community members they want to serve.” If you want to be part of this initiative to give back, visit room 1402 to drop off toys and books for these children.

As for clubs at Apex High School, the National Honors Society, HOSA, and Key Club are doing winter coat drives to provide warmth for those in the Apex community. You can learn more about their specific drives on their respective instagram accounts: @apexnhs, @apexhshosa, and @apexhighkeyclub. Students should also keep an eye out for Apex for Christ Club’s upcoming toy drive this month as well.

In conclusion, the holiday season in Apex, NC is a time of giving, and the students of Apex High School are leading the charge to make a positive impact on their community. From participating in Angel Tree programs and local toy drives to supporting initiatives like the Toy and Book Drive for WakeMed Children’s Hospital, there are numerous ways to spread kindness and joy. The efforts of various clubs, such as the National Honor Society, HOSA, and Key Club, remind us all that even the smallest act of generosity can make a world of difference. As we embrace this season of giving, the students of Apex High School exemplify the true spirit of the holidays by helping those in need and creating a ripple effect of goodwill throughout the community.