Here at Morton, it seems most students felt in a miracle-giving mood. They didn’t dress as Santa and give out presents, but they gave back in their own way.
In a survey of 112 students, 45% (about 50 people) claimed they were doing something to give back for the Christmas holidays.
Three people I interviewed said they were going to bake food with their families and give them out to people around Chicago who are homeless.
Cindy Perez (Morton Student) stated, “Yeah, every year some of my family comes over, and on a day we feel bored and grateful, we make tamales and sandwiches and give them out to homeless people in downtown.”
The other Morton student, Kimberly Michalec, said, “Well, my boyfriend and I use up all our McDonald’s points to buy as many cheeseburgers as we can and give them to anybody with a sign asking for money.”
Other Morton students decide to volunteer in churches or community programs that host events where food and utilities are handed out.
“At my church in Oak Park, we have a little festival inside the church gym where they give out free food and clothes for 1 dollar, of course, they aren’t designer but something they can wear and afford for cold,” claimed Alexa Lopez.
Some other people like to give back in a spirited way. Specifically, the spirit of music. Teacher, Mr. Cervantes states, “We like to perform in the auditorium for Christmas shows, and I think mixing music and holiday spirit is a great way to enlighten our community.”
During the holidays, some students still have a business to run, so they give back in their own way with their own talents. For the Christmas holidays, some barbers are hosting raffles and giveaways for free haircuts. Personally, for the Christmas holidays, I am giving out free haircuts to anyone that can’t afford it. A client stated, “I’m really glad I saw the post of giving out the free haircuts. During these times, barbers usually raise their prices, but I just need something decent and simple for the holidays.”
