West Ranch’s Red Cross club held their annual Veteran’s Wishlist Drive from Nov. 7 to Nov. 18 in order to aid veterans who lack necessities. Students had the chance to donate necessities and engage in community service.
Donations were received in front of the ASB office, as it served as the designated drop-off spot for students’ items. A list of accepted items was provided in the daily bulletin; the list included an array of supplies such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, combs, lotion and other hygiene products. Volunteers from the club facilitated the activity, ensuring the drive operated smoothly. Reflecting on her experience as a table volunteer, junior Sophia Sadaqatmal explained, “If Red Cross does have another drive, I would volunteer at the table again because it makes me feel more involved in the club and its activities at school.”
Considered a region-wide event, different high schools in the Los Angeles area also held Veteran’s Wishlist Drives. The items collected throughout the region will be taken to a drop-off center in Sherman Oaks on Dec. 15th. These items are then delivered by the Red Cross to veterans and distributed to veteran-accessible shelters.
This drive has a special significance, as the American Red Cross dedicates every November to recognizing the service of veterans. Sharing the month with Veteran’s Day, the drive marks November as a time of commemoration, highlighting the invaluable contributions of veterans. Club Vice President Mahati Dharanipathi emphasized the purpose of the drive: “The Red Cross’ theme for this November is to focus on veterans. My goal was to raise funds and goods for that month’s purpose, just contributing to the overall goal of the Red Cross.”
Beyond just helping local veterans, students were also able to benefit from this drive by earning service hours. For National Honor Society (NHS) members, every four donated items amounted to one service hour, with a maximum of two NHS hours and 10 Red Cross hours.
Cats, although this drive may have ended, keep an eye out for more opportunities from the Red Cross club.
