Aaron Shane, Huntley LaVigne, Sebastian Lawson, Taige Davis, Garrett Winship, Garrett Copley, James Wagner, Kirk Zofcin, Brayden Frank, Travis Childress, Nicholas Hagg, Landen Pritzl, Graeme Minnis, Kaylee Bevevino, Shay Reilly, Nakita Nelson, Hannah Cobb, Autumn Jerman, Haley McNett, Welding Instructor Nate McNett, WAEC school counselors Missy McNett and Kristen Everetts. Not pictured but participated in the program include Isabella Oyola, Kaylee Weiser, Keaton Destro and Haden Foster.

Warren County Career Center welding students are helping ensure every child has presents to open on Christmas morning.

Now in its sixth year, the group’s participation in a Secret Santa program continues to grow.

The program is organized by welding instructor Nate McNett in partnership with Warren Area Elementary Center counselors Missy McNett and Kristen Everetts.

Each year, the counselors provide a list of WAEC students and their siblings in need, along with their interests and clothing sizes. Welding students are then encouraged to buy gifts for these children.

This year, nearly 30 welding students participated, allowing the group to provide gifts for 16 children, almost doubling their numbers from last year. Families will pick up the gifts tomorrow so they can be wrapped and placed under the tree in time for Christmas morning.

Donations included toys like dolls and nerf guns along with clothing, winter gear and school supplies. Many students took pride in purchasing gifts with their own money, a meaningful sacrifice for high schoolers.

“We want students to learn that Christmas is not just about receiving gifts, it is about giving them as well,” said Mrs. McNett.

The idea for the program came from Mr. McNett, who was inspired by similar initiatives. “There are a lot of programs like this out there,” he said. “We wanted to try to help.”

The effort had created strong collaboration between the Career Center and the elementary school.

Mr. McNatt also noted how grateful he is for his students’ involvement this year.

“It is the most we have ever had participate,” he said, adding that this year also saw the highest number of donated items to date.