Coral Springs and Parkland Schools Spread Holiday Cheer Through Community Giving
By Bessie Cristwell & Penny Miller
The spirit of giving was alive and well this holiday season as several Coral Springs and Parkland schools joined forces with the local community to make a meaningful impact on the lives of homeless families in Broward County. Through a united effort, these schools collected and donated essential supplies and gifts for the Broward Partnership, a homeless shelter located in Pompano Beach, Florida.
Central to this successful initiative was Dr. Bessie W. Cristwell. For years, Dr. Cristwell has collaborated with neighboring schools and community members, raising awareness and organizing drives to secure toys, household goods, and other necessities for those experiencing homelessness.
Coral Springs Middle School’s Health Occupation Students Association (HOSA) played a vital role in this year’s donation drive as well. With the understanding that individual and social health are directly linked to safe housing and resources, HOSA students, under the guidance of teachers Erin Henningson and Kimberly Locke, Assistant Principal Donna Baker, and Principal Jill Slesinski, worked quickly to collect items for the shelter.
The generous efforts did not stop at the middle school level. Five high schools in Coral Springs and Parkland stepped up to support Broward Partnership in a big way:
- Coral Springs High School: The MTL (Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leader) chapter, sponsored by Mrs. Lawana Jones and led by dedicated students, established a food pantry on campus and gave to families in need.
- Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School: Mrs. Elizabeth Arata and her team of student leaders delivered essential items directly to Broward Partnership.
- J.P. Taravella High School: Assisted by Mr. Christopher Leporte, Key Club sponsor, and president, Dennis Bautista, students collected and donated toys and essential items to the shelter.
- MTL Chapter Contributions: Mrs. Tashauna Thompson, sponsor, and her students gathered numerous items and gifts for the shelter.
Alongside the schools, generous individuals and organizations added to the impact. Contributions were made by the Coral Springs Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee, Melinda Robbins, Mr. John and Mrs. Marlena Roland and family, Mrs. Alean M. Ford and her family, Mrs. Kathy Barkdale, Ms. Katia Regi, and the Esquenazi family.
Isabella Preble of Broward Partnership expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support. She shared, “Each gift shared this season brings comfort to the men, women, and children experiencing homelessness, helping them take meaningful steps toward stability and a home of their own.” Preble emphasized the importance of student involvement, noting their kindness and inspiring example, she added, “We are deeply inspired by the kindness of the young people in our community. By choosing to give this holiday season, they are spreading warmth, encouragement, and the true magic of the holidays to those who need it the most.”
Through the collaborative efforts between schools, students, teachers, and community members, a profound impact was made this holiday season. By working together, this collective not only provided essential resources but also shared hope and compassion with those experiencing hardship. The act of giving is more than just a seasonal event; it is a perpetual initiative that highlights empathy, generosity, and community. Truly, Kindness in Action all year round!
