To celebrate the Thanksgiving season HOSA, Health Occupation Students Of America at SCHS hosted a basket brigade where students donated items to needy families in the community.

      A basket brigade is a traditional charity offering that started back in 1994 where contributors distributed food and other items usually during the holiday season to needy families. This tradition was brought to SCHS this year and is sponsored by La Rosa Reality. For the 2024 Basket Brigade, participating clubs brought in goods such as baking sheets, pans, canned food items and any other non-perishable items in hopes to fill up baskets. This project planed to “donate and deliver” the baskets of food for a complete Thanksgiving meal to these families. These baskets were assembled and put together by the officers and most of the club members of HOSA. The intention was to bring clubs and communities together and help those who need it the most.

      This festive season gave students a chance to give back. Sherin Martinez, a student at St. Cloud Highschool said “It feels great knowing that we will be able to provide for families that need it and help make a difference”. All of the proceeds went to the families in need in Osceola County. HOSA accepted donations up to November 16th, 2024, and were then personally delivered to the houses of the families right before thanksgiving holiday. These baskets are gifted to families who are currently facing housing instability. The county is responsible for keeping track of the demographics of students and staff including those who experience homelessness or any families transitioning homes.

      HOSA alone had 12 filled baskets from participating clubs here at the school, adding to the districts total of 350 baskets. HOSA at St Cloud Highschool are not the only ones involved with this brigade, many other schools in Osceola County also donated. This gave many students through out the county a chance to help make an impact on others, it also gave these families a chance to enjoy the holidays.

      All in all, this is the first step in making a difference in our community by giving back to families who will able to celebrate and enjoy a nice meal for this festive holiday. Many are thankful for the clubs and organizations that helped with contributing to this food drive. Many are grateful for the hard work from the many students a Saint cloud high school and many more in the county.

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