Hughson Unified employees and students embody the holiday spirit each year by participating in multiple efforts to help their peers and others in the community. This year was no different.

The ELF (Everyone Loves Family) program is a tradition in the district. Organized by Tammie Moore, a teacher at the high school, the project began before Thanksgiving and ended in early December. Posters with “giving trees” were put up at each campus. Employees then selected a tree – which represented a Christmas wish – and purchased a $20 toy or equivalent for a teen. The goal, said Moore, was to help 400 families.

All the toys, clothing, gift cards and other items were given to the Hughson Community Christmas Basket program to help families in need during the holiday season. Distributions are scheduled Dec. 16-19 at St. Anthony’s Church.

Families still can schedule a pick-up time at the church by calling (209) 202-8812. Seniors and others who cannot leave their homes also should call to arrange a food delivery.

Food boxes include donated chickens, butter, milk, eggs, bread, canned goods, fruits and vegetables. Hundreds of children receive toys, clothing and other presents.

The Christmas Basket program has been a part of the Hughson community for more than 50 years.

A second school-related program -- Winter Wishes – takes place at Hughson High. It was begun many years ago by high school teacher and program coordinator Karalee Ruelas to honor the memory of her mother, Barbara McClymont, who helped those in need year-round at the elementary school where she worked. Today, Winter Wishes is organized by Ruelas and students in her ASB and Renaissance classes.

It works this way. In early November, a Google Form is sent to every high school student asking what some of their needs and/or wishes are. Ruelas and her students review the forms and select as many wishes to fulfill as they can. Expensive items (like new phones) are discarded.

“Some students require items such as food, clothing, shoes, and blankets while others may be submitting a fun wish such as a new soccer ball or small electronic item,” Ruelas said. “We do not only select very poor students to grant wishes because when we deliver the gifts to the kids, we do not want the students to know who is in extreme need versus who is just getting a fun present. This equals the playing field and allows all kids to feel valued, equal, and seen.”

Students who are in need of food are called in privately and given gift cards to the grocery stores so that they are not embarrassed in front of their peers, she explained.

“The community of Hughson has been the most instrumental in making this program such a success,” Ruelas said. “Year after year they help our students stay warm and with good food as well as provide smiles of joy to the kids by buying and donating gifts.”

There still is time for people to help make wishes come true. Those interested can review this list, make a selection and drop off the item at the high school office by Dec. 18.