On Thursday, Nov. 12, Red Cross Club gathered to assemble Bags of Grace, gift bags intended for the homeless. The packages included small items such as hand-sanitizing wipes, snacks, water, and a handmade card. Members wrote greetings and positive messages to those in need, hoping to brighten the recipients’ days.

“With Bags of Grace, we wanted to help people who needed it the most,” club Vice President Andrea Pier ‘16 said. “Lifting them up or encouraging them just a little can mean a lot.”

Red Cross members first put the bags together in an assembly line, then split into groups to write their cards. Using bright paper and markers, members created loving messages to give hope to those in need, especially with the holiday season coming up.

“It’s the season about loving and giving, so we really wanted to show that,” club Co-President Benjamin Akande ‘16 said. “We want to be involved in the community and to help spread awareness about social issues and just things that are going on around us.”

Many of the club officers, as well as members who are seniors, plan to drive around town to distribute the Bags of Grace. Through both making and passing out the bags, Red Cross members became closer to the community by striving to make a difference in others’ lives.

“I really liked making the Bags of Grace,” Vivian Tran ‘19 said. “It’s a small service, but it’s still really important because we’re able to spread compassion throughout the community.”

Red Cross, which meets in Ms. Davis’s room, plans to volunteer for other causes throughout the year, especially events outside school such as the Turkey Trot and the Trail of Lights. Through volunteering at events and helping those in need, Red Cross hopes to help make our community a better one.