2 Lexington-Richland School District 5 schools held “Spirit of Giving” assemblies as a way to give back to those in need.

Chapin High School and Spring Hill High School held assemblies where they announced monetary and item donations to various organizations and individuals.

“It’s a chance for the students to give back to the community,” said Jared Clayton, a social studies teacher at Spring Hill High School.

Spring Hill raised donations for the District 5 Snack Pack Program, Sharing God’s Love, Prisma Health’s Children Hospital, Carolina Wildlife and Chapin We Care.

“Our kids are willing to help and the fact that we doubled and tripled our goals shows we really do care about our community and the well being of the people around us,” Clayton added.

Mary Grace Loughman, a junior representing the exercise science academy at Spring Hill High School, loves that her school puts on this event every year. “I think it’s so cool that our school does this because it shows that we have such generosity and are thinking bigger than ourselves,” said Loughman.

At Chapin High School, staff and students donated over 1,000 pounds of food to the District 5 Snack Pack Program as well as funds for several individuals. Those individuals included 3 students who were involved in a car accident earlier this year as well as Coach Strange and Coach Snelgrove who are both currently battling cancer.

Chapin High School principal Michael Ames was moved by the Spirit of Giving assembly this year. “It reminds me of how honored I am to be part of this community and this family,” said Ames.

“We give selflessly to others and we ask for nothing in return. Thank you, student government, Chapin family and Chapin community for your generosity today and every day.”