Thanks to the efforts of Brighton High School’s Leadership class, over 500 children in Ypsilanti, Michigan, got to experience the joy associated with unwrapping gifts on Christmas.
Through Operation Christmas Wishes, a partnership between Brighton High School and local nonprofit the Yoga Strong Foundation, BHS students raised $20,211 to support children, many of whom come from low-income backgrounds, at Perry Early Learning Center and Puentes Early Learning Center. Not only did Leadership surpass their goal, but they also raised around $1,500 more than in 2024, which is what allowed them to serve two schools rather than one this year.
“I love that we get to partner with a local charity (Yoga Strong Foundation) on a project and that we get to go to another community to spread some holiday cheer,” Mrs. Kelly Armstrong, the Leadership class advisor, said. “The population of children we serve are mostly in a different socioeconomic background than most of my students. My kids get to see what giving back feels like up close and personal.”
Not only did the children receive toys, but they also received basic necessities, including clothing, school supplies and snacks.
“We also provided crayons, coloring books (made by BHS graphics students), hats, waterproof gloves, and even some coats, snow pants and boots. Some kids (who needed them) also got shoes and backpacks,” Armstrong said. “We also provide extra clothing items for the school to have a ‘closet’ at their school. Additionally, we gave classroom teachers school supplies and other items including clorox wipes and play doh and lots of school snacks for their students.”
In order to fund the venture, students in the Leadership class planned and hosted a variety of events in the weeks leading up to the delivery of the gifts, which occurred on Dec. 5, 2025. Leadership relied on a variety of fundraising events, including a bake sale, caroling and photos with Santa.
“I think it’s just super fun because it’s a good opportunity and gets the whole school involved,” senior and two-time Leadership member Reece Meyer said. “We give them different chances to donate, and all of it goes to a really great cause, so it’s exciting to see the school rally behind it.”
While delivering the toys to the students represented the ultimate result of their efforts, many also found the events leading up to it meaningful. Photos with Santa is a tradition many students look forward to, with boys in Leadership stepping up to play the part of Santa and his elves, who students at lunch then get to take pictures with.
“I loved being Santa because all my friends came and took pictures with me,” senior Connor Cox, who dressed up as Santa this year, said.
In addition to Photos with Santa, a major part of Operation Christmas Wishes was the annual bake sale. Students and staff came together to donate homemade baked goods and treats to sell during lunches throughout the week.
Along with fundraising, Leadership students were involved with every step of the way, including purchasing, wrapping and of course delivering the gifts.
“They each get a list of students to purchase gifts for, they organize and wrap the gifts, and then they deliver them. They also get to hang out and play with the kids that day. It’s just a super special day,” Armstrong said. “Often, my kids feel like they are the ones who receive the greatest gift.”
