by Andy Ortiz, Managing Editor

As Braves in this season of giving, we have the opportunity to spread joy to others for the holidays through Bosco’s Finest Club’s Toy Drive and the Counseling Department’s Annual Blanket Drive.

The final week of school is upon us, and the students of St. John Bosco High School are getting ready to enjoy a long awaited Christmas break. But before students head off for the holiday, there are some opportunities to give back to people in need of some joy and warmth this season.

There are two charities being held here at Bosco: a Toy Drive sponsored by the Bosco’s Finest Club and the Annual Blanket Drive held by the Counseling Department.

First is the Toy Drive being sponsored by the Bosco’s Finest Club, led by senior Joel Ambriz and moderated by history teacher Eduardo Diaz. Bosco’s Finest, a group that was recently formed this year, is a campus service club that focuses on helping the Bosco community. One of their major goals this year is to make this Christmas a special one for kids who wouldn’t be receiving any gifts.

“Club members wish to share the good blessings we have received and allow others to feel the warmth and love that exists here at St. John Bosco,” said Mr. Diaz. “We want our immediate community to realize that Bosco remains an open school for everyone to resource.”

Any new or gently used toys can be dropped off at Mr. Diaz’s classroom in room 212. All of the donated toys will be sent to Ford Elementary and Toys for Tots at Our Lady of Talpa, both in East L.A.

The members of Bosco’s Finest hope to spread cheer and joy to kids in the surrounding L.A. community this Christmas.

Alongside the toy drive, there is also the Annual Blanket Drive that is being held by the Counseling Department.

This yearly tradition for the Counseling Department to give back has been pioneered by Bosco counselor Omar Delgado. Mr. Delgado has been doing this blanket drive since he was a wrestling coach, starting almost 30 years ago. 

“The main goal of the blanket drive is to help those less fortunate,” said Mr. Delgado.

There are drop off boxes in front of the school lobby where anyone can leave any new or gently used blankets. These blankets will be delivered to the Los Angeles Catholic Worker Hospitality Kitchen and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles.

Mr. Delgado and everyone in the Counseling Department believe that giving during this time of year and helping the less fortunate is important because that is the biggest part of what Christmas is all about.

“Bosco men should strive to be men of service and compassion for others. St. John Bosco [said], ‘Let us strive to fare well in this life and in the next’,” said Mr. Delgado.