MANCHESTER — Students at Manchester Township High School brought holiday cheer to local seniors this week through the launch of the school’s first-ever AristaCare Santa for Seniors Project, a student-driven community service initiative aimed at ensuring no resident felt forgotten during the holiday season.
The effort partnered students with AristaCare Manchester, where students worked to fulfill gift wish lists provided by the facility. Donations poured in from students and staff across the Manchester Township School District, allowing organizers to personalize presents for every resident.
After classes concluded, student volunteers traveled to the Tobias Avenue facility, where they transformed common areas with decorations and festive music. The group hosted a holiday gathering in the lounge, serving beverages and assisting staff by escorting residents to the celebration.
For those unable to attend, students went room to room alongside staff, delivering gifts and offering warm holiday greetings to ensure every resident was included.
“This project truly came from the students’ hearts,” said Principal Dennis Adams. “They identified a need in the community and committed themselves to bringing joy to others. Their compassion and leadership were on full display.”
In total, all 110 residents at the Manchester facility received gifts and messages, marking the initiative as a meaningful success and a testament to the school’s emphasis on service learning.
School officials said the Santa for Seniors Project reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and exemplifies its guiding principle, “Excellence by Example,” through student leadership and generosity.
