With winter holidays quickly approaching, the season of giving is in full swing. Whether it be food drives or assisting families in need, North offers many ways that students can positively impact the community such as interact club and safe club.
There are a few ways that North students can lend a helping hand this holiday season. Student Association senator Alexandria Noyd lends a helping hand anytime she can to help her community grow this festive season of giving. Noyd does so by donating to the food drives, doing hard work for elderly, and helping out in charity events.
“I support the community by donating to the food drives, helping in the charity events, yard work for the elderly and improving green spaces in Detroit with the Moross Greenway Project,” Noyd said.
As a way to further our school’s participation in charity, the Student Association holds an annual Adopt a Family event where participating classrooms provide Christmas gifts for families in need of clothing or gifts for children. Student Activities Director Peggy Bonbrisco appreciates the engagement of the students as gifts are finalized and sent out to the community.
“It’s just a riot, but the joy on the students’ faces as they’re wrapping the gifts and really feeling like they’ve done something for someone is awesome,” Bonbrisco said. “And then the following day is when the cars line up in North’s lot and each car is going to a different family residence or maybe to the school that these children attend.”
With multiple events throughout the year in interact club, junior Ashlei Anatallio hopes that their wreath decorating project that took place on Nov. 16 will create a sense of joy throughout Grosse Pointe.
“[It’s] just to spread some Holiday cheer,” Anatallio said. “Contributing to charities, more specifically, the retirement home – it might make them feel more thought of. During the holiday season, they may feel more lonely without [decorations].”
As feelings of holiday giving increase, so does the amount of donations to Gleaners. According to community giving specialist for Gleaners Brian Sewell, this time of year provides relief not only in the present but for months to come.
“It really allows us to make sure families not only have food for the holidays, but even when the holidays are over, we still have an abundance of food to give to the community,” Sewell said. “Around a time when you know, donations slow down, we still have food that we’re able to give to the pantries, so they can still take care of their communities.”

After our most recent canned food drive through a year round project called the Hunger Heroes Challenge through Gleaners which ended Oct. 28, student activities director Peggy Bonbrisco notes the importance of helping those in need.
When I participate in charity events it makes me feel like I’ve done some good in this world, when you are young and have limited funds it can be hard to give back, drives help me rally my friends and family to make an impact.“We did collect 261 lbs of food which was good, but it could be better,” Bonbrisco said. “That will be a help to a lot of families in the Hunger Heroes School Challenge campaign.”
Gleaners does not draw the line at non-perishable goods, in fact, according to Sewell, a $1 donation can equate to three meals for those in need because of their retail partnerships.
“I know individuals feel $5 is not going to make a difference,” Sewell said. “But, if you combine that $5 with 500 students, it’ll really make a difference. So, you know, if you ever have an opportunity, or if it’s just ever on the top of your mind, and you’re thinking, how can I help out, just know that $1 goes a long way.”
As the holiday season of giving closes, Noyd acknowledges that the impacts from charity events extend beyond this time period, leaving her with a sense of fulfillment.
“When I participate in charity events it makes me feel like I’ve done some good in this world,” Noyd said. “When you are young and have limited funds it can be hard to give back. Drives help me rally my friends and family to make an impact.”