W.O.W. Wishes of Westwood at Westwood High
Richland School District Two continues to prioritize the development of empathetic, civic-minded leaders through its student-led service-learning programs. This year, the district’s five high schools—working in coordination with elementary and middle schools—successfully executed a series of initiatives designed to provide critical support to families and nonprofit organizations throughout the Midlands and internationally.
These annual projects are more than just fundraisers. Students are tasked with exploring, understanding, and addressing real-world needs within their community. What began as holiday drives have, in many cases, evolved into year-long initiatives that prioritize both monetary giving and hands-on service.
Each high school spearheads its own unique holiday fundraiser: Holiday Wishes at Blythewood High, HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere) 365 at Richland Northeast High, Winter Wishes at Ridge View High, Winter Days at Spring Valley High, and W.O.W. Wishes of Westwood at Westwood High.
Winter Wishes at Ridge View High
This year’s efforts resulted in the following support for local neighbors:
•Hunger Relief: 69,205 nonperishable food items, 6,600 meals, and 85 turkeys/chickens.
•Financial Support: $9,970 in monetary donations.
•Essential Needs: 3,020 items for homeless outreach, 2,000 articles of clothing, 2,208 toiletries, 1,312 pairs of socks, 183 pints of life-saving blood, plus more than 7,100 items for the Big Red Barn Retreat, Camp Cole, Final Victory Animal Rescue, Ronald McDonald House, and SC Youth Advocate.
•Youth and Education: 1,006 books and 642 toys.
•Family Support: 36 families and 27 individuals, including foster children, adopted for the holidays.
While the impact is felt deeply in the Midlands, benefiting organizations like the American Red Cross, Christian Bridge Assistance, Families Helping Families, Golden Rule Food Pantry, Harvest Hope Food Bank, Make-A-Wish, Oliver Gospel Mission, Pawmetto Lifeline, Richland Two Ready to Read, ROAR Hub-Asheville, SAFY of South Carolina, Salvation Army, Sistercare, Toys for Tots, and Transitions Homeless Center, donations are also crossing borders. The Westwood High School National English and Spanish Honor Societies are sending over 300 items to Westwood High School in Jamaica this winter break.
Winter Days at Spring Valley High
The culture of service extends to the district office, where employees filled holiday wish lists for 59 individuals ensuring more children in the district and their parents have a brighter holiday season.
Through these coordinated efforts, Richland School District Two remains dedicated to its mission of cultivating future-ready, purpose-driven students who are prepared to serve as the next generation of empathetic global leaders.
HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere) 365 at Richland Northeast High
Holiday Wishes at Blythewood High
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