The holidays are fast approaching and ’tis the season for giving.
That’s why Oxford High School students, and long time friends, Brad Low and Phil LaBrash decided to start a supply drive for Grace Centers of Hope (formerly the Pontiac Rescue Mission).
‘One day I was just sitting up in my room just thinking of things to do to help out the needy and I just felt like I needed to give something back,? Low said.
The sixteen year olds originally planned on starting a coat drive, but the shelter told them they had a surplus of coats already.
The next best thing was daily essentials, like toilet paper and canned goods.
LaBrash said starting November 18, six boxes will be placed outside of the main office at OHS. Each one corresponds to the class level, one for staff members and one for parents.
Freshman will be asked to bring in toilet paper, sophomores are to bring soap, juniors have trash bags and seniors have canned goods. Staff members will be asked to bring new twin-sized bed linens.
Whatever class has the most of their items after December 2 will win spirit points, culminating in a day off of school for the winner.
‘Usually the spirit point incentive is very influential,? LaBrash said.
To help coordinate their drive, Low and LaBrash, both football players on the varsity team, sought the advice of their English teacher, Kristie King.
‘She’s been really great,? Low said. ‘We couldn’t have done it without her.?
King said the teens are ‘great leaders? in her class and believes their school involvement will be a huge success.
‘It’s wonderful that they came on their own,? she said. ‘It says a lot about their character.?
But this isn’t the first time Low and LaBrash have been involved with.
LaBrash has done various community services through his church and they both have participated in the cabin cleanup at Crossroads for Youth.
Low said his mother, Sue, use to have him and his brother put together things they didn’t need after Christmas and take it to Goodwill. ‘It feels good to help the less fortunate,? he said.
His mother hopes his willingness to help ‘sticks with them the rest of their lives.?
‘I think they’re doing a wonderful thing and I think it’s a great learning lesson,? she said.
Supplies can be dropped off at OHS from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., November 18 through December 1. on December 2, the drop offs will be open until 7 p.m.