MARLBOROUGH – Within Assabet Valley’s business technology shop, students learn about databases and Microsoft Office. During the holidays, they also learn the value of being good citizens.
For the past 25 years, business technology students have helped make the season brighter for less fortunate families through the Assabet Aztec Wishes program.
This year, the program is providing gifts for 90 children, from infancy to high school.
“This annual initiative, led by our talented business technology students under the supervision of BT lead teacher Catherine Shanahan and BT teacher Sharon Bogere, not only brings joy to families in need during the holiday season, but also instills invaluable skills in collaboration, leadership and service,” said Assabet Superintendent Ernest Houle. “It is heartening to see our students channel their education into meaningful action, demonstrating that the power of kindness can truly make a difference.”
How it works
Students receive holiday wishes from the South Middlesex Opportunity Council. According to Shanahan, the students then solicit sponsorships from Assabet staff and parents, and even sponsor children themselves.
Members of the sophomore and senior classes sponsored two children each; one student – Julie Gomes, a senior from Marlborough – sponsored two children herself.
Ryan Dos Santos, a sophomore from Marlborough, said that the students do their best to fulfill wishes received. This year, one child will receive a bike; another will receive a kitchen set.
Most will receive clothing, toys and games. Some will even receive dolls and handknit goods.
“The doll clothes crafters are coordinated by a woman in Marlborough,” said Shanahan. “She has women from Florida, Missouri, Arizona and Pennsylvania (about six crafters total) who knitted clothes and shipped them with doll donations to Marlborough.”
The students use Access to keep track of what requests have – and have not – been filled.
In addition to the presents, the program also purchases gift cards – mainly Walmart and Market Basket – so that parents may buy food.
Most of the funds for the gift cards came from a donation by IC Credit Union.
“They were a big help in this,” said Dos Santos.
Funds were also raised through a pair of student fundraisers involving vehicle detailing from the auto collision program and ornaments created by business technology students.
“They’re practicing the skills. They’re learning to ‘Do More,’” said Shanahan, referring to the school’s motto.
“It’s something very empowering to the community,” said Dos Santos.
On Thursday, Dec. 12, the students delivered the gifts – concealed in trash bags – to the SMOC offices. The gifts were then distributed to parents so they, in turn, can give to their children come Christmas morning.
“As the superintendent-director of Assabet Valley RVSD, I am immensely proud of the Aztec Wishes campaign, which exemplifies the spirit of community and compassion that defines our school,” said Houle.
To learn more about the Assabet Aztec Wishes program, contact Shanahan at [email protected].
