Delmarva Christian High School students reach out during Christmas season

This Christmas season, Delmarva Christian High School students have volunteered in many activities benefiting local and global communities. Two of their coordinated efforts included a shoe drive and a gift collection.

During a DCHS Nov. 15 chapel service, SHOES 2 SHARE cofounder and President Tim Wampler challenged DCHS students to fill three large bins with shoes of all sizes and styles in any condition. Within two weeks of the challenge, student donations easily filled the bins as well as two more.

The beneficiaries of the shoes will include international and domestic programs for at-risk youth, the elderly, disabled persons, homeless victims, veterans, disaster-relief efforts, clinics, hospitals, schools and orphanages.

DCHS students also decided to bless local veterans by adopting a new giving campaign, Veterans Need Love. Over the course of several weeks, students donated new items for U.S. veterans residing at the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford. Candles, lotions, clothing, blankets, ornaments, jewelry, toys, books and gift cards are some of the items students collected for the veterans to gift to their families and friends. A goal of more than 200 items was set and met.

"The event was a huge success," said DCHS school nurse and Veterans Need Love Coordinator Kristin Bennett. "It is our privilege to shower these servicemen and servicewomen with these small gifts in exchange for the tremendous gifts they've given us. It is our desire they will be able to use these items to bless their loved ones, that they might not otherwise be able to do, at Christmas."

The Delaware Veterans Home in Milford was selected due in part to the relationship DCHS student Dee Clarke has with the Veterans Home and her volunteer work there.