Club Interact is a service organization that is tied to the Rotary Clubs. This year, students are encouraged to donate clothes, books, jewelry, and especially toys.

With the holidays rapidly approaching and students (and teachers) counting the days until our Christmas vacation, it is easy to get wrapped up in the things that people do this time of year. People get so busy doing the shopping and other preparations with family and friends.

Club Interact wants to remind the family of PHS to remember the reason for the season, that spending and giving is fine, but that we should not forget those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

Club Interact, a service organization associated with Rotary, is collecting gifts and donations for underprivileged families in Passaic. Needs for local families include (but are not limited to) clothes, toys, housewares, toiletries, books, jewelry, seasonal attire or any other appropriate gift item. Gifts must be new, unwrapped and can be for men, women and especially children.

The deadline for all donations was December 13, and every single donation is greatly appreciated. Times are tough in this town, as well many other towns. Many people have lost their jobs, and many have had their hours cut. Christmas is a time of sharing out of love for our fellow man. This is a theme that can be used in class to demonstrate the notion of generosity and it is a big part of what Club Interact stands for.

Another initiative for Club Interact is the book drive to help teen moms get their children into reading. While children’s books can be used, they must not be ripped or have any writing in them. They must be in good condition. Club Interact is using the teens at PHS to help the teens who have children.

Mr. Simon came up with the idea for the book drive. He said, “the importance of reading early and often in the life of a child is well documented.” So, let’s get any books you may not need and donate them to Mr. Gilbert’s office in the guidance office.

All donations should be brought to Mr. Gilbert’s office in the school counseling department. “I am never disappointed in the continued generosity of the students and staff of PHS,” said Mr. Gilbert. He added, “We truly are a family.”

I am sure the Passaic family will pull together to help all those who really need it around town.

—  Adrian Martinez