Sharing gifts and love through Adopt a Family

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December 12, 2008 - 5:33 PM

Courtney Holland

LISTEN UP! STAFF

The Marching Vikings have a tradition that has gone on for as long as anyone can remember.

Each year the White Oak Marching Vikings adopts a family in need.

Normally around Christmas time, White Oak High band director Perry Ditch picks a family and encourages the band to help make their Christmas magical. Members of the band then make posters to make sure that the band knows as much as possible about the family - how many children they have, if they’re boys or girls, how old and anything else they think band members should know is included.

Typically the band chips in and gives whatever they can - be it gifts or money to buy gifts - and the rest comes from the high Vikings, otherwise known as the school’s administration. Once the collection is complete, it becomes apparent just how much the Viking family has to give.

The satisfaction of knowing that the band is doing some good by helping families in need is motivating. Everyone wants to feel important, and the family we adopt - and other families in need - are important. It’s our goal to make sure they know that.

We love helping out as much as we can. Especially since no one really knows exactly what the family is going through.

If you want to adopt a family, contact Christmas Cheer at 910-347-HOHO or visit the Salvation Army Angel Tree in Gold’s Gym, Cracker Barrell, Abbington Place Apartments, or Forget Me Not Florist. The Angel Tree is also located at 535 Bell Fork Road.

Everyone deserves to have a merry Christmas.

Courtney Holland is a junior at White Oak High.