As community members gathered at Brentwood High School on Friday, Dec. 12, from 6-8 p.m. to attend the annual tree lighting event, the true gift of the season came from something beyond the tree. Students, families, and staff came together to distribute donated clothing from the high school’s Snuggly ‘n’ Comfy drive to community members in need. 

“Besides just hats, gloves, scarves, and socks, we received a lot of clothing and jacket donations this year, which was great because we had more things to donate to the Brentwood families,” said Ms. Katherine Coreas, a home language arts teacher and Community Plaza liaison for Brentwood High School. “Every year, there are [also] talented teachers and students who crochet hats and scarves to donate, and they always come out so nice.” 

Kristen Martinez, a senior and previous donor, said the drive has helped her realize that she and her peers sometimes take what they have for granted. 

“We have our parents nagging at us to wear our jackets,” Martinez said. Meanwhile, others who are lacking these basic necessities.

Student volunteers played an important role in making the drive successful. They helped sort donations and make sure items were organized and ready to be distributed. Teachers and staff also supported the drive by donating and encouraging students to get involved.

“I think events like this matter because it shows how our community can come together to help one another out,” said Darling Hernandez, a senior who helped assemble Snuggly ‘n’ Comfy drive bags. 

For those new to the area, adjusting to the local climate has been an unexpected challenge.  

“We have a lot of newcomers coming to New York, especially [to] Brentwood, who expect warm and pleasant weather, but that is not the reality,” said Ms. Dina Grisales, a Community Plaza facilitator and home language arts teacher.  

For many families, the holidays can be stressful. Without this support, basic needs like food and clothing become harder to afford.

Recent changes to SNAP benefits have increased the number of families struggling to meet basic needs. According to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, “more than 3 million Americans could lose assistance within the next few years.” With this growing loss of support, community efforts like the Snuggly ‘n’ Comfy clothing drive play an influential role in helping families stay warm and supported during challenging times. 

Grisales also noted that some community members return more than once for clothing and organizers recognize this as a sign that help is still needed. 

Throughout the tree lighting, different school clubs helped create a welcoming and family-friendly environment. Attendees were able to enjoy donuts, hot chocolate, coloring books, balloon animals, and other activities offered by student organizations. These efforts added to the festive atmosphere while encouraging community members to stay, connect, and support the event’s larger purpose.  

Clubs such as English Honor Society gave bookmarks to color as well as cookies and cupcakes to sell. While other honor societies and clubs gave out doughnuts and hot chocolate. Other clubs gave out pencils, candy, and other seasonal treats.  

“I think there is a significance in giving donations during the tree lighting ceremony because the district lets the community know that we’re not just here to celebrate with them, we are also here to help out in any little way we can,” Mrs. Coreas said.