It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year again, but not every family gets to enjoy its holiday that so many take for granted. It’s important to remember that there are many families in need in our community, and the season of extravagant spending is not easy for them.

One way that students can help these families is through Milford Miracles.  

“A lot of people have this idea that these families in need are nowhere near us, that we never see anyone who is in a family with a situation like this,” Leadership student Matthew Hockstad explained, “but you pass by them every day in the halls. You sit next to them in your classes. They go through their school day the same exact way you do.”

Milford Miracles is a fundraiser that happens every holiday season at Milford High School. It helps families in our area by providing gifts for their holiday. It was formerly run by Senorá Alfaro and the Spanish Club, but has been taken on by the Leadership class. Baskets labeled ¨Milford Miracles¨ are placed in every class and donations are placed in until Dec. 16.

Despite not running it, Alfaro still takes a big part in it by donating and encouraging donation among her students.

“There is a lot of need in our district and we sometimes don’t realize that there is this need,” Alfaro stated. “People are very good about not showing that they’re in need.”

Milford puts a big emphasis on promoting a caring community within the student body and the kindness that students should show towards each other. Milford Miracles brings out this bond between students as they donate out of the goodness of their heart.

Not only will donating to this great cause help your classmates, it will also help you. According to thelifeyoucansave.org, there are several benefits of donating to causes like this, such as experiencing more pleasure in everyday things, bringing more meaning to your life and even improving personal financial management.

¨Some people shrug this off just because they don’t think their donation will do much,¨ Hockstad continued. ¨But every little bit counts, and it really does feel great knowing you’re making a difference in someone’s life.¨

As if another reason is needed to donate, some teachers are offering prizes to their classes based on how much they donate as an extra incentive.

“I encourage students with food and a free day,” Alfaro said with a laugh. “The class that raises the most gets a free day and I pay for the food.”

With a few weeks until Milford Miracles wraps up, every student has plenty of time to gather whatever cash they can. This time of year is all about giving, so why not grab some loose change and donate?