Wasilla students give all year

December is a time when most people think about giving back to their communities. But at Wasilla High School, the giving has been going on all year.

Student-run groups at the school have been busy throughout the year, working on community service projects such as Toys for Tots, Special Olympics and even a car checkup.

"There's a lot of things our students are doing that nobody knows about," said Doug Bean, WHS activity director.

Throughout December, many of the WHS classes and most of the student organizations are collecting toys for the Special Santa and Toys for Tots programs.

Some student groups have "adopted" teen mothers from Burchell High School -- in essence, helping their peers.

"Everybody wins when the students help other students," said Jeanine Sparks, a guidance counselor who works with the peer helping group. "The peer helpers are selecting a certain child and trying to buy for them."

In December, the giving is especially noticeable in the school. The WHS National Honor Society is targeting teens through the Special Santa program, and buying gift cards. The human relations program is hosting a penny drive, with the money donated to Toys for Tots.

"We're hoping to raise more than $300," said Linda Ransom, the group's advisor. "We've done it for the last two years."

But Christmas isn't the only time student are active. Many of the groups have performed community service projects all year, and many are in the planning stages.

The WHS special education department is involved with a work-study program that knows no season. Students gain vocational skills and learn about the spirit of volunteerism by working at such places as Sacred Heart Catholic Church, The Treasure Loft and the Wasilla Public Library.

Students in the National Honor Society perform eight hours of community service each semester.

"We try to get the kids more community-minded through service projects," said NHS advisor Ginny Lawton. "Teens are the best resource for other teens."

The student government has established a $500 memorial scholarship in the past, and it has also helped oversee a can drive in which more than 1,000 cans of food were donated.

Last year, the group hosted a Red Cross penny drive as well. Food baskets are also a top project for the student government.

Outside of December, the Business Professionals of America have worked closely with the Special Olympics, a community cleanup and have put together food baskets.

Teens Against Tobacco Use (TATU), a group of students committed to speaking out against tobacco, has put on seminars for middle school students, and has focused on leadership training.

"You can tell there is a lot going on here," Bean said.

If Toys for Tots, food baskets and penny drives don't hold a student's interest, there are even service projects taking place in the automotive classes.

Each year, the group hosts a spring and winter car care "workshop" where people can bring their cars and have them inspected for problems by the students.