While the coronavirus pandemic has put the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) club on hold this school year, it has not cancelled its tradition of providing for the community. 

     In previous years, the club held annual toy and clothing drives for a homeless shelter in Greensburg on Christmas Eve, but without the support of being an official club, students are taking a new approach this holiday season. 

     P-T business teacher and SADD advisor Kim Stefkovich is working along with last year’s club members to ensure the families at the Welcome Home Shelter have a safe and cheerful Christmas. Despite not leading the club this year, Stefkovich decided that the one thing she would continue to do was to support the homeless shelter.

     In the past two years, Stefkovich and SADD students collected toys and presents for the child residents of the shelter and delivered them on Christmas Eve morning. Last year, alumnus Christina DeLuca directed the project and was able to provide the residents with a memorable experience and fulfill the childrens’ wish lists. 

     “After visiting [my junior year], I realized that the occupants of the shelter are just like anyone else who has a permanent home and they need love and compassion. I wanted to make a difference and help those who were in need and did not have the money or ability to provide for themselves and their loved ones,” DeLuca said. 

     After receiving the Christmas lists of the child residents, DeLuca worked with other SADD members to buy for the families in need and deliver the gifts on Christmas Eve morning. This year however, the visit will be different, as the shelter is not allowing visitors inside.

     “This year, I am only working with the students that were involved last year,” Stefkovich said. They will provide residents with breakfast on Christmas Eve and deliver stockings with treats, funded by donations from students. They will also be collecting used clothing and crafts for the kids to do.

     “Even with all the uncertainty going on, it is very important to us that we complete this project for the residents of the Welcome Home Shelter,” Brooke Cleland, a former SADD member, said. 

     Stefkovich plans to offer SADD as an official club again next year. “My hope is that when things finally do return to normal, I will be able to re-apply [as SADD advisor],” she said. Until then, she is running one of her favorite community outreach programs personally.

     Visiting the Welcome Home Shelter provides students with a humbling opportunity to support those in need. “Seeing [the residents’] smiles and knowing that a difference was made was the best feeling in the entire world,” DeLuca said.

Carleigh Bruno, Staff Writer