Lynchburg-Clay students join together for annual ‘Day of Giving’

Lynchburg-Clay High School was buzzing with energy on Friday, Nov. 21 as students, staff, and community volunteers came together for the school’s annual Day of Giving — a full day dedicated to hands-on service projects that support organizations and individuals throughout the region. 

From crafting blankets for newborns to creating unique floral arrangements, students demonstrated teamwork, compassion and a commitment to giving back.

• Caring for the Community’s Youngest: One of the day’s most popular activities involved creating tie blankets and fleece hats for NICU babies at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Under the guidance of Ms. Keltner and a team of volunteers, students carefully cut, tied and assembled dozens of soft blankets.

• Helping Paws in Need: In another room, Mrs. Landess, Mrs. Truman, Mrs. McConnaughey and Mrs. Allen helped students turn donated T-shirts into braided dog toys. These colorful creations will soon be delivered to local humane societies. Students said the project was simple but rewarding—especially knowing the toys will bring joy to shelter dogs waiting for their forever homes.

• Flowers of Appreciation: Also led by Mrs. Landess, a group of students worked with fresh flowers to assemble cheerful floral arrangements. These bouquets were donated to Highland District Hospital nurses and staff, a gesture meant to brighten their workdays and thank them for their ongoing dedication.

• Craft Kits for Young Learners: Students teamed up with the Math Department to assemble craft kits for elementary students. The project required organization and attention to detail as students sorted supplies and prepared packets that younger learners will use for upcoming classroom activities.

• Honoring Local Service Members: With the help of Mr. Carson, Mr. Stephens, Mr. O’Connor and Mr. Case, students braided sturdy paracord lanyards to donate to local servicemen and women. The lanyards, both practical and symbolic, serve as reminders of the community’s gratitude and support.

• A Warm Welcome for Seniors: In a limited-capacity project, Mrs. O’Connor, Mrs. Shop and Mrs. Hamilton guided students through designing and painting decorative welcome signs. These handmade signs will be donated to two local nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, offering residents a personalized touch and a reminder that they are cared for.

• Messages That Travel: Students joined Mrs. Arnett, Mrs. Barnett and Mrs. Manuel to color and create uplifting postcards. These will be mailed to assisted-living homes as well as to servicemen and women, spreading encouragement far beyond school grounds.

• Minute to Win It Challenge Adds Fun—and Purpose: A highlight of this year’s event was the lively Minute to Win It Challenge, where students could enter a variety of fast-paced games by donating either canned food items for Hope Emergency or clothing for Highland County Children Services. With their donations in hand, students earned the chance to challenge a teacher of their choice in friendly one-minute competitions ranging from tissue pull to ping-pong races.

Laughter echoed through the gym as teachers battled to defend their honor and students celebrated victory. While the games were fun, their purpose was even more meaningful: tables overflowed with food and clothing donations that would go directly to families in need.

By the conclusion of the Day of Giving, hundreds of items had been created, cleaned, packed, braided, painted and donated — along with a mountain of food and clothing from the Minute to Win It Challenge. More importantly, students walked away with the satisfaction of knowing their efforts will make a real difference.