Holiday spirit fills classrooms throughout Bernards High School as the season approaches. With the holidays nearing, students and staff are united once again for the school’s decade-old tradition: the Giving Tree. BHS brings together staff, students and families to share generosity and create impactful differences to the local families in need. This year’s early action and overflowing turnout has reflected a school-wide effort to make a difference.

Each winter, Bernards High collects wish list items to support local families. Boxes and bags quickly fill classrooms, while flyers and reminders line the halls. Students and staff walk in daily with bags filled with these items, knowing even small contributions can make a big difference.

This year, the Giving Tree featured 40 tags with the majority selected by staff as well as a strong turnout from families. All donations are collected to support Deirdre’s House, a Morristown agency that helps children and families affected by abuse. The tree, located in the history hallway, is decorated with tags presenting wish list items. Participants can take a tag, purchase the item, and return the wrapped gift. This tree has quickly become a visual representation of the school’s holiday efforts, and a reminder to students that kindness can be both simple and deeply meaningful.

“It’s wonderful to help people who are having a hard time during the holiday season. It feels good to do something nice for others,” said Mrs. Clark, who sponsors this event each year.

Since it first began in 1996, Deirdre’s House has become a critical resource for children in Morris County, helping more than 58,000 young victims. With a mission of providing hope and healing for victims of abuse and neglect, Deirdre’s house remains a meaningful part of Bernards High School.

More than just a display, the Giving Tree has become a reminder of the school’s commitment and kindness. Serving not only victims, but also the students and administrators around the school, teaching the value of empathy during a season of celebration and selflessness.

Ben Balian ‘27 says, “The Giving Tree is very important to help those in need during the holiday season.”

The Giving Tree offers the Bernardsville community the opportunity to help those around them feel supported and valued even in hard times. Together, these efforts highlight the importance of understanding that the holidays are not just about receiving, but about sharing simple acts of care, and doing so as a community.