Chautauqua Lake Central School National Honor Society members are pictured with items they collected during their annual food drive and gift-giving initiative.

MAYVILLE – Chautauqua Lake Central School’s National Honor Society chapter has continued its annual food drive and gift-giving initiative.

The process begins early in the school year when the school identifies and reviews families in need, with Nick Raynor, National Honor Society advisor, reaching out to offer assistance confidentially. Staff members are invited to sponsor a family by providing gifts for children or donating funds. Community partners, including donors for local churches, also contribute to the program. While some choose to shop for gifts themselves, others donate money, which the National Honor Society uses to ensure every child receives something special. This thoughtful approach ensures that no family is left without support during the holidays. This year, the National Honor Society supported more than 20 families and 60 children through their efforts.

“This service project helps foster a sense of compassion, empathy, and togetherness within the school. Through the efforts of staff, students, and community partners, families in need can look forward to a brighter and more joyful holiday season. Thank you to all who donated and serve as role models for giving and service to our students,” said Rachel Curtin, Chautauqua Lake Central School principal.

In addition to the gift-giving, the National Honor Society also hosts a food drive that directly benefits the families. The collected items help provide a complete traditional holiday meal, including mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, canned vegetables, mac and cheese, canned fruit, biscuit mix, cranberry sauce, and desserts. National Honor Society members shop for any missing food items and add fresh produce to complete the meal packages.

Students in the National Honor Society advertise and collect donations during the food drive, organize and box up food items, and sort the incoming gifts for each family.The students also wrap the gifts with care and coordinate delivery to families, ensuring everything arrives in time for the holidays.

Prior to Chautauqua Lake carrying out this project, records show that both the Chautauqua and Mayville National Honor society chapters have been organizing food and Christmas toy drives since the early 1990s, making this a long-standing tradition.

“I’ve been blessed to work at Chautauqua Lake for the past 17 years, first as principal and now as superintendent,” said Dr. Josh Liddell, Chautauqua Lake Central School superintendent. “Throughout this time, the NHS Holiday Drive has always been a highlight, reflecting the strong sense of community and positive culture within our district. It’s truly inspiring to see the spirit of giving shine so brightly year after year.”