SEQUIM — Winter Wishes brings holiday dreams to Sequim students, helping them with enough money last year to cover travel expenses home in some cases.
The Winter Wishes program, started by Sequim High School students for fellow students either in need or just looking for some Christmas cheer, heads into its seventh holiday season this year.
Gifts given can be downright silly or on the serious side for a student in real need.
Checks and gift items will be given out during a special assembly at 10 a.m. Dec. 15 at the high school gym.
But first, about $2,000 in cash and gift donations needs to be donated by Dec. 2.
Last year, $1,500 was donated for gifts that went to about 100 students.
Sequim High senior Marissa Haner is leading the latest program aimed at fulfilling the holiday wishes of her fellow students that in the past have been anything from a poker game with teachers to airfare for a trip back to North Carolina, which a student was given last year.
“We make it so they can have more of a holiday,” Haner said.
Students make wishes for themselves or other students, according to Sequim teacher Jennifer Van De Wege, who is overseeing the student-operated program.
“It’s not just for poor kids,” Van De Wege said. “There are some funny things that happen and other little things.
“Someone really needed a puppy, so we worked it out with her family to get her a puppy.”
Haner said the aim is to get all donations to Winter Wishes by the end of the day Dec. 2, a Friday.
Donors can take their donations to the high school’s main office, 601 N. Sequim Ave., and give them to Janet Peterson at the front desk or direct them to Van De Wege.
Email jvandewege@sequim.k12.wa.us or phone 360-582-3600.
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.