In a survey done by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 30% of children in Mississippi live in poverty, which is almost double the national average. During the holiday season, families in Mississippi who are struggling to make ends meet do not have the ability to buy Christmas presents for their kids or the luxury of having holiday meals. The things that define important holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas are largely inaccessible to some students in the Oxford School District. Every year organizations such as Charger Christmas Kids, Oxford Love Packs, and countless more within
the Oxford School District and Oxford community provide relief to those in need during the holiday season.
In 2011, Tara Denevan, a local Oxford resident, was made aware that 11 students of Oxford Elementary would not have any gifts to open on Christmas Day. In an effort to ensure that every student has gifts under their tree for the holiday season, Denevan founded Charger Christmas Kids. In 2011, Charger Christmas Kids donated gifts for 11 children to open on Christmas morning. As of 2023, Charger Christmas Kids has expanded to provide presents for 432 students across the Oxford School District.
“The mission of Charger Christmas Kids is basically Chargers helping Chargers,” Denevan said. “It is a great way for parents in our school district to help other children who may be sitting next to their kids in the same classroom, or maybe playing the same sport as their child. It is truly Oxford Chargers helping Oxford Chargers in the best way possible.”
Every year Charger Christmas Kids is able to provide joy and excitement for kids, who would have otherwise been unable to unwrap gifts on Christmas morning. But, for the parents of the children who receive donations, Charger Christmas Kids also helps ease financial stress.
“I think the holiday season can be especially hard in today’s economy,” Ashley Shows, a member of Charger Christmas Kids, said. “All of us are experiencing higher prices for day to day expenses, so our donations can help alleviate some of the financial stress that can rise during this time of year.”
In addition to having no gifts under the tree, many students lack proper nutrition not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year. To combat this, Oxford Love Packs has been tirelessly working to provide hundreds of students with proper meals within the Oxford and Lafayette school districts for over a decade. Since students are gone over Thanksgiving and winter break, students do not have access to the free breakfast and lunch services that many schools offer. Because of this, Oxford Love Packs puts in extra effort to put additional meals and treats into the packs students receive, hopefully feeding the students until they come back from break. Along with the extra meals, Oxford Love Packs has also partnered with the Lafayette County Literacy Council and other organizations to provide small gifts for students.
“On holiday weeks, like for Thanksgiving, we are packing what we call a bonus pack,” Camie Bianco, one of the leaders of Oxford Love Packs, said. “It is a little bit heavier than our normal weekly pack, and for Christmas we will do a couple of extra packs to supplement students while they are not in school. We have also worked with the literacy council to give us books to send home with them, and other groups that have donated coloring books and crayons.”
The numerous clubs that host fundraisers during the holiday season in an effort to help others and spread holiday cheer have made an extremely positive impact on the Oxford School District and community. Superintendent Bradley Roberson shed light on a few of the many organizations that benefit students yearly.
“Programs like Charger Christmas Kids, Oxford Love Packs, and Angel Tree have had a profound impact on students and families in need,” Roberson said. “Charger Christmas Kids ensures that children in our district receive gifts during the holiday season, while Oxford Love Packs provides students with food to take home over weekends and holidays. Additionally, the district works closely with local organizations to provide clothing, school supplies, and other essentials, ensuring that no child is left behind due to financial hardship.”
Among the other fundraisers and drives within OSD, this year the OHS Law & Public Safety Department also hosted their second annual toy drive for kids of all ages. This drive was led by Hardie Meeks, who teaches a Law & Public Safety course at Oxford High School.
“When I worked at Oxford Police Department we did toy drives,” Meeks said. “That was something that I loved because I am always about helping to better our community. This toy drive is coordinated by me, but students bring the majority of toys that are donated. You can see that it warms their heart when they realize that they are making a difference.”
The Oxford School District has put in immense effort to make the holiday season a positive experience for all students. In the future, Roberson hopes to not only continue the programs that have made such a large impact in years past, but expand to help students and families in need in more ways.
“The Oxford School District is committed to continuously supporting students and families through innovative and sustainable programs,” Roberson said. “We plan to strengthen partnerships with local organizations and businesses to expand resources available to families. This includes increasing access to mental health services, providing food security through programs like Love Packs, and exploring initiatives to offer school-based clothing closets and hygiene kits. Additionally, we are working to ensure our educators and staff are trained to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by students in need, making OSD a place where every child can thrive.”
