BILLERICA — Shawsheen Valley Technical High School’s SkillsUSA chapter hosted the 2024 SkillsUSA State Chapter Holiday Party, an event dedicated to bringing joy and support to local families experiencing temporary hardships. Held in Shawsheen’s cafeteria, the celebration united students, staff, SkillsUSA alumni, and community members for a festive and heartwarming day.
The event featured a range of holiday activities, including a hot breakfast, creative crafts, cookie decorating, and caroling. The highlight of the day was Santa’s grand arrival on a firetruck, culminating in the distribution of personalized gift sacks for every child in attendance.
“Our school psychologist Tracy Lucci helped identify families in the community facing temporary displacement,” said Devyn Donnelly, SkillsUSA chapter historian at Shawsheen Tech. “This event was designed for those children and families, and our chapter worked with the state chapter and SkillsUSA Alumni to purchase gifts and supplies tailored to each child’s needs.”
Every child received a carefully curated gift bundle containing a new winter coat, hats, mittens, toys, and school supplies, with each gift bag valued at over $100. These thoughtful gifts were made possible by the generous contributions of the SkillsUSA Alumni and Friends Association, combined with the dedicated fundraising and planning efforts of Shawsheen’s SkillsUSA students and advisers.
“We focus on selecting families who will benefit the most from this initiative,” said SkillsUSA alumna Ashley Mello, who helped with the event. “This annual State Chapter initiative helps schools launch holiday events. Once established, schools are encouraged to continue the tradition independently while we assist another district.” Mello noted the growing impact of this initiative, envisioning a future where every SkillsUSA chapter in Massachusetts hosts its own holiday celebration.
Shawsheen’s event supported 12 families from the Greater Lowell area, offering not only material support but also emotional warmth and a sense of community. One mother in attendance shared, “I cannot believe this. I am so happy because my kids are so happy right now.”
As part of its broader holiday outreach, Shawsheen’s SkillsUSA chapter also hosted its annual Toys for Tots drive, collecting an impressive 321 toys for the program in collaboration with the Billerica Fire Department. This initiative highlights the chapter’s ongoing dedication to supporting families in need and spreading holiday cheer throughout the community.
The four-hour party celebration concluded with smiles and gratitude, encapsulating the holiday season’s spirit of giving. After the event, SkillsUSA Executive Director Karen Ward facilitated a reflective discussion, inviting participants to share their experiences, assess the event’s impact, and brainstorm improvements for future celebrations.
Shawsheen Tech earned the opportunity to host the State Chapter Holiday Party through a competitive application process, committing to serve as the host for at least two years. With the resounding success of this inaugural event, Shawsheen’s SkillsUSA chapter is enthusiastic about continuing this meaningful tradition, ensuring that the joy of the holiday season reaches even more families in the years to come.