By Leslie Olvera

The Octagon Club’s main purpose is to give the opportunity to our students to interact with the community around us. This club gives PHS students an impression to what how it feels to give back to the community. With the temperature being brisk right now, the community service minded members of the Octagon Club were able to sponsor a winter clothing drive.

This winter was one of the coldest on record, but was filled with the warmth of affection and encouragement of PHS students donating coats and warm clothing to other members of the community who really needed them. Our giving peers organized the spread of optimism to those in need with food and clothing.

The Octagon Club is advised by Mr. Sheridan and Mrs. Nieves, they both keep the club running smoothly and help guide the young students of PHS to successful life goals. The president of the club is Jamnesh Rana, Vice President is Mitul Aswala, Arleth Cespedes is the secretary, the treasurer is Arnold Hernandez, and Johana Amigon and Teresa Luis oversee the public relations. The Octagon Club had previously done amazing activities this past year 2014-2015.

As needy members of the community walked in to attend the distribution of the coat drive, a variety of coats and sweaters were handed out with the help of students from PHS. Christian music welcomed our community as they walked in. Winter clothing varied from coats, sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves, and many other items of warm clothing. Additionally, students and staff members handed out hot chocolate accompanied with sandwiches, teddy bear and heart shaped cookies made the community feel warm and welcome.

The Octagon Club had raised over 400 coats with the help of students and staff who donated. Mr. Sheridan wishes to thank all those who helped make this event such a success.