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Hughson High School campus gives back with holiday programs
Hughson High gift wrapping
Hughson Unified students wraps gifts for some of their peers as part of their annual Winter Wishes and Everyone Loves Family (ELF) holiday programs. - photo by Contributed to the Courier

Students and staff at Hughson Unified School District are again supporting a pair of programs that aim to make the holidays a bit brighter for those within the district as well as hundreds of families in the community. 

Every year, the district hosts the Winter Wishes and Everyone Loves Family (ELF) programs. Winter Wishes, which is run by the campus’ ASB and Renaissance Club, encourages staff members and high school students to partner to help out their peers, while ELF includes the collection of donated goods as part of the Hughson Community Christmas Basket program. 

“I am always amazed and proud to be a small part of a community that loves the students at the high school so very much. Their love and support is evident,” said Karalee Ruelas, longtime organizer of Winter Wishes.

High school students fill out a Google form requesting items for themselves or even a younger sibling. The gifts range from toys and gadgets to more practical items like clothing, shoes or even beds. The ASB and Renaissance Club members then seek donations from the community and organizations to fulfill the wishes. 

According to Ruelas, an estimated 150 students work on the project each year. Special education teacher Tammie Moore said more than 240 employees stepped up to fulfill those wishes by the Dec. 4 deadline. The gifts are distributed before Christmas break begins. 

“If it is an item that could be received during school hours by either a child in need or a child just wanting a Winter Wish fulfilled, we deliver them during class time,” said Ruelas. “It is always fun to enter into the classrooms and watch with sheer delight as people open their presents. Because we deliver both to students in need and to students who may just want a passion project fulfilled, there is no pointing out those who are in need versus those who are not, which is so important to us.” 

Meanwhile, the Christmas Basket program has been a part of the Hughson community for more than 50 years. Approximately 500 families were beneficiaries of this year’s Christmas Basket program, which took place throughout the week. 

Hundreds of local children receive Christmas presents in the boxes, while the families are given food boxes that typically include donated chickens, butter, milk, eggs, bread, canned goods, fruits and vegetables.


— The Hughson Unified School District contributed to this report.