Teenagers from John F. Kennedy High School’s student government class will distribute more than 300 toys and other presents to Cesar Chavez Intermediate School on Thursday, December 22, giving every student a wished-for gift.

A committee of JFK students visited the Chavez campus earlier this month and talked to every student, learning what each child would want for a holiday gift. The students then used Associated Student Body (ASB) funds to purchase each student a present. For students reluctant to ask for a gift, the teens assembled school supply kits with such items as pencils, erasers, paper and folders.

“My kids gain more than they give from this experience,” said Kennedy’s ASB class advisor Ken O’Flaherty. “They gain a deep sense of accomplishment knowing that they have made the holidays a little brighter for younger kids in our community.”

This is the ninth year of Kennedy’s “Wish Week” drive, O’Flaherty said. Over the years, students have purchased and delivered thousands of gifts to children – many of them disadvantaged – who attend SCUSD elementary schools. Chavez was selected this year because 100 percent of its students qualify for a free or reduced-price lunch, the federal poverty threshold.

Chavez Principal Antonio Medrano said his students benefit just as much from having teen role models on campus as they do from getting their holiday wishes granted.  “The JFK students are sending a wonderful message to my students – that giving back to the community is important.”

WHAT: JFK Teens Distributing Presents at Cesar Chavez
WHEN: 8 AM to 3 PM on Thursday, December 22
WHERE: Cesar Chavez Intermediate School, 7500 32nd St., Sacramento
WHO: Teen “elves” and younger students