Octagon Club Gift of Giving event. Photo by Kiara Rivera.

By Maria Galicia ‘19 and Damaris Ramirez ‘19

Bagging for Bucks:
On December 16, the Octagon Club, directed by Mr. Sheridan and Mr. Dudek, hosted a fundraiser that lasted more than a week. The Octagon Club members gathered together and bagged groceries for Passaic residents at ShopRite on Paulison Ave. Through their hard work and dedication, the Octagon Club was able to raise money for future scholarships and events. Yet the Octagon Club did not stop there. They also recruited the PHS cheerleaders, Ski and Board club, and the NJROTC to help out with this community fundraiser.

Gift of Giving:
The Octagon Club once again gathered together to bring joy to the children and bring a smile to their face. The Octagon Club initiated a charity event on December 20, the Gift of Giving. The Gift of Giving is an initiative that was started by Passaic BOE employee Germaine Gibson. It is a city wide program that introduces sponsors to less fortunate children in Passaic. The Junior Optimist Club (Octagon) partnered with The Passaic Optimist Club and they have been sponsoring multiple children each year. This year they sponsored 20 children that live in The Speer Village Housing Projects ranging between ages of 6 and 13. The members of the Octagon Club raised the money, purchased and wrapped the gifts.