North Side Celebrates 30 Years of Making Spirits Bright for Kids Surviving Cancer
North Side High School is preparing for the its 30th annual Christmas Party for Kids Surviving Cancer. The celebration for children who have battled cancer and their families will be from 12-2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at North Side, 475 E. State Blvd.
North Side students and staff work with Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana to host the party. This year, 24 families are expected to attend the party, which will include food donated by Mexigrill, music, face painting, dance performances and a visit from Santa.
Students and staff raise money throughout the year to host the event. Students adopt a family by shopping for Christmas presents for the children in the family, wrapping the presents and attending the event alongside their designated family.
Preparing for the party includes raising money, making contacts with community members for donations, shopping for gifts for each child in every family attending, wrapping the gifts and organizing entertainment. Dozens of students from several student groups, including those focused on community service, as well as those connected to the arts and academics, participate in raising money for gifts and organizing the annual event.
“This event is special every year, but knowing that our students have been hosting this for three decades makes this year extra special,” said teacher Crystel Miller. “Over the years, North Side students have helped make the holidays happier for hundreds of children in our community. And, they have learned the importance of giving back and extending a hand to those in need. We are proud that our Legends can continue this North Side tradition.”