The Plymouth High School Student Council Christmas Party has been going strong at PHS for more than 25 years, yet organizers say thanks to the generosity of the community the party seems to get bigger and better each year.
Carin Plothow, a PHS Interventionist who is also the Student Council Advisor, along with close to 30 Plymouth High School student council members have been busy wrapping hundreds of gifts purchased by community members and businesses.
The annual PHS Student Council Christmas Party has been going on since 1980, but the name certainly doesn’t shed light on how many people come together yearly to make sure the day is perfect for close to 50 local elementary children.
Plothow said, “Upward of 130 local businesses contribute annually by donating gifts and money for the refreshments to be purchased for the students.”
The students who are invited to this invitation-only event are guests due to different situations. Perhaps tough times have fallen on their family, and their parent or guardian is suffering from a job loss or another tough situation, which could cause strain on having a bright holiday season.
“The main goal is to bring Christmas to children whose families are struggling for one reason or another,” said Plothow.
Event organizers also provide transportation to Plymouth High School for kids who would not be able to attend otherwise. The children who attend the celebration range in age from five to nine and attend one of the four Plymouth Community School Corporation’s elementary schools.
Each year, Santa Claus makes an appearance handing out gifts. Each student council member was paired with a child or two to spend the day with.
The PHS Boys Basketball team made an appearance as well as signing autographs, and shooting baskets with the kids who have been invited to attend.
Plothow said, “We are so very thankful for our extremely generous community for helping us put this party on each year!”
