In December, there are many holidays in which gift-giving is involved. While it is fun to get gifts, it is more fun to give, especially to those that are less fortunate than we are. In this time of year, it’s good to take a step back and realize how a simple gift can impact people in a major way. 

Organizations such as the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and Angel Tree are organizations that are known nationally. But sometimes, we forget to look at the organizations and people we can help in our community. For the past month, Prince George students have been collecting spare change to donate to a multitude of causes.

Imagine the excitement you feel when you see your presents right before you open them. Not everyone gets the opportunity to experience that. I believe that you should put others first. Growing up in school, I’ve gotten to see and meet people from backgrounds differ from mine. I used to compare what I had to others until I got the chance to help people that had less than I did.

In the summer of 2018, I got the opportunity to go to the Bronx, New York. Everything we did, from helping at a kids camp, to painting a fence, made their day. The smiles on their faces is something I will never forget.

As 2019 comes to a close, we need to remember what this season is truly about. As much as we love getting gifts, we should give to others so they have the opportunity to experience what we get to.