Hightstown High’s Red Cross Club held its annual holiday party Monday, where it distributed gifts to needy children in the community.
By: Chris Karmiol
In the cafeteria of Hightstown High School Monday night 130 community children were treated to games, music, presents, magic and entertainment by the cheerleading squad.
They also got their pictures taken with one of the two Santas that were present at Hightstown High’s annual Red Cross Club holiday party. Party organizers said it was the largest turnout the club had seen in years.
The Red Cross Club of Hightstown High boasts the largest membership of any school club, as well as the largest of any Red Cross club in the state 350 members, most of whom are active according to faculty adviser Lauren Sieczkowski.
Asked why the club has such an active roster, Michelle Glasser, club vice president and Hightstown senior said, "It appeals to everybody. If you don’t like kids, we go to senior centers; if you don’t like seniors, (we go to) kids."
Ms. Sieczkowski, eyeing the crowd feverishly for her own young ones, listed several of the 30-plus community action projects the club offers their energy to each year: "Senior Olympics, Special Olympics, food baskets you name it, we do it."
"Every holiday," Lauren added. "We cover it."
A jazz band played Christmas songs, three magicians provided the tricks and 20 pizzas donated by a Hightstown High alumnus brought the wrestling team into the mix on a hunt for food.
"Those are for the kids!" yelled Jeanne Heikes, another Red Cross Club advisor, as the swarm of athletes headed through the door and straight for the food tables. "Lauren, take care of it."
As the club’s second-in-command, it’s apparently Lauren’s duty to dissuade gangs of hungry athletes from eating the kids’ food. She did so and the pack of boys exited the cafeteria, with their apologizing coach leading them out.
"This has become a fairly established tradition," Joanne Zapicchi, teacher and advisor, said, referring to the party. "It is very amazing how much our kids enjoy buying gifts for people they don’t even know. It’s definitely a wonderful thing."
Moments later, junior Natalia Lentini recounted a tender moment shared between her and the parents of 4-month-old Tyler as they received the gift of a winter coat, socks and pajamas she brought them. She was watching to see their reaction, and when they saw her watching they approached her to say how much they appreciated the gifts.
She seemed touched by this simple act of thanks. Asked how it made her feel to help others in need she smiled and said, "It’s cool."