For the first time ever, the Fayette County High School Band holiday concert, scheduled for tomorrow night, will benefit high school students in need.
The band has partnered with the school system’s CARE (Children at Risk in Education) program to help fulfill requests from high school students on the program’s Angel Tree. School counselors recommend students for the Angel Tree if they and their families are in need of financial assistance. Parents must work or be actively looking for work in order for students to qualify.
Groups and individuals who sponsor angels tend to gravitate toward younger students, often leaving behind those at the high school level. That’s why Dr. Myra Rhoden, the school’s band director, decided to turn the concert into a benefit to collect items for students at all five of the county’s high schools.
“In this economic climate, many high schoolers are supporting themselves and/or helping support their families. Other groups that send in toys and clothing for younger children often forget many of these students. We want to assist the high school students who fall into this category,” says Rhoden.
Band parents and students are being asked to donate items for both boys and girls that will be given as Christmas gifts through the Angel Tree project.
Requested items that have been identified by CARE are as follows: coats (may be gently used), socks and underwear, scented lotions/perfumes, toiletries, jewelry, gift cards, CDs, canned goods, and any item a teen-aged child would like to receive as a gift.
“It is amazing about the absolute miracles that are happening for this project,” says Karen Spangler, CARE coordinator and organizer of the Angel Tree. “I want to thank Dr. Rhoden and the Fayette County High School Band for being a part of those miracles.”
If you would like to help, contact Fayette County High School at 770-460-3540. The band’s holiday concert is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 9 at the school.
