This holiday season, the Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation is spreading cheer and making a meaningful impact through a series of community-focused initiatives. From organizing food drives to supporting local families, to raising funds for those in need within the Fortville community, the schools are rallying together to ensure everyone has a brighter holiday. These charitable efforts exemplify the district's commitment to fostering compassion, generosity, and a sense of togetherness during this special time of year.

The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) eigth-grade students took the initiative to organize a school-wide food drive to support their local Fortville community, showcasing their leadership and commitment to service. To encourage participation, they created an exciting incentive: the top classes in each grade would win a celebratory donut party. After a spirited competition, the winning classes were led by Ms. Hull, Ms. McClanahan, and Mr. O'Malley. Thanks to the incredible generosity and community spirit of MVMS students, the drive was a resounding success, collecting over 37 boxes of canned food. All donations were delivered to the Fortville Area Resource Mission (FARM), a vital organization dedicated to supporting local families in need. This effort not only exemplified the power of teamwork but also made a meaningful impact on their community. The MVCSC Ambassadors, in collaboration with the middle school, actively participated in a food drive as well, generously donating non-perishable food to the Fortville Area Resource Mission.

Fortville Elementary proudly participated in the annual "Giving Wars," a meaningful initiative designed to raise funds for families in need within the Fortville community. This effort is part of the school’s “house” system that divides the school into several teams, fostering both school spirit and a sense of community responsibility among students. The event encourages students to make a difference by dropping coins or dollar bills into their designated house buckets, which are conveniently placed outside the library. Each house competes to collect the most donations, fueling a friendly rivalry that inspires teamwork, generosity, and school pride. The competitive spirit motivates students to work together, rallying their classmates to help their house secure the win—all while contributing to a worthy cause.

At Mt. Comfort Elementary (MCE), the student council is teaming up with the PTO to support the Ronald McDonald House by organizing a meaningful community outreach initiative. Together, they are working to create essential kits designed to provide comfort and care to families in need. To make this effort successful, they are encouraging students, staff, and families connected to MCE to donate various items that are essential for daily living. The requested donations include toiletry bags, mouthwash, toothpaste, floss picks, and other personal care items. This thoughtful project not only helps families during challenging times, but also fosters a spirit of generosity and compassion within the MCE community.

The district strives to foster compassion, generosity, and community. These efforts highlight the true spirit of the season and the commitment of the Mt. Vernon schools to making a difference in the lives of others.