Across Everett Public Schools (EPS), students are turning compassion into action through powerful traditions of service and generosity. From long-standing food drives to student-led holiday giving initiatives, schools are bringing staff, families, and the community together to support those in need this holiday season.
Cascade High School
For the past 64 years, Cascade High School (CHS) has hosted its annual food drive. Students dedicate thousands of volunteer hours, transforming the CHS gym into a space where boxes of food are assembled for hundreds of local families. After sorting and filling the boxes, students deliver them directly to families in need.
This long-standing tradition is made possible by the support of community members and alumni. They contribute canned goods, gifts, and financial donations to help ensure the food drive’s success.
This year, more than 51,000 cans were collected, along with $19,000 in cash donations. All proceeds are given to Volunteers of America and local food banks.
“For 64 years, this tradition has brought our school community together around a shared purpose of helping others,” CHS Principal Michael Takayoshi said. “Generation after generation of students have learned that giving back is not a one-time act, but a responsibility we carry forward. The lasting impact of this effort is felt not only in our community, but in the values our students take with them long after they leave our school.”
Everett High School
Everett High School (EHS) students are leading Regalo Rush, which translates to Gift Rush. It is a holiday giving initiative planned and hosted by the Latinos Unidos club and their advisors, Giselle Alcantar Soto and Eldred Vidal Vazquez.
Through Regalo Rush, families in need sign up to receive gifts. Staff, community members, and families volunteer to purchase items for those requesting support. Volunteers shop from specific wish lists created for each family to ensure gifts are meaningful and personalized.
This year, Regalo Rush is supporting approximately 86 families and distributing more than 500 gifts. Families will come to campus to pick up their items, helping ensure students and families can celebrate the holiday season with dignity and joy.
In addition to Regalo Rush, Advanced Leadership students at EHS organized a food drive ahead of Thanksgiving. It was a collaborative effort with businesses, Burkett’s and Delite Bakery, as well as View Ridge Elementary, Whittier Elementary, Madison Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Eisenhower Middle, and Hawthorne Middle schools. Thirty-seven thousand pounds of food were collected. The donations filled 21 pallets, 13 cars, and three vans. The drive also raised $1,600 for Volunteers of America and provided items for Sammy’s Closet at EHS.
“This teaches our students that learning extends beyond the classroom and into caring for our community,” EHS Principal Kelly Shepherd said. “When we come together, we model compassion, responsibility, and service in action. The food drive and Regalo Rush reminded us that even small acts, when multiplied across a school, can make a meaningful difference.”
Jackson High School
Jackson High School (JHS) ASB students led the school’s annual food and toy drives to support families across the Mill Creek community. In this effort, JHS collaborated with Woodside Elementary, Penny Creek Elementary, Forest View Elementary, Silver Firs Elementary, and Gateway Middle schools.
Donations from the food drive, including nonperishable food items and monetary contributions, benefited the Mill Creek Community Food Bank. More than 5,000 pounds of food was collected along with $5,000 in cash donations.
Gifts collected through the Henry the Giving Snowman toy drive were donated to Mill Creek elementary schools, providing an estimated 750 toys, books, and other gifts for elementary-aged children. The goal was to support future Timberwolves during the holiday season.
“Opportunities like this help our students better understand the challenges some families face and foster a sense of gratitude,” JHS Principal Sechin Tower said. “By participating, students learn the value of empathy and the impact of giving without expecting anything in return. These experiences shape not only responsible citizens, but compassionate human beings.”
Sequoia High School
Student leaders from Sequoia High School (SHS) and the Port Gardner Parent Teacher Student Association organized a food and hygiene drive in November. Together, they collected 435 items for the Giving Grove, a student food, hygiene, and clothing pantry at the high school. The drive also gathered 38 gifts for SHS students through the Winter Wishes program.
In addition to collecting items, students emphasized service projects focused on giving time, with SHS and Gaining Ownership of Adult Life (GOAL) students making 100 bags for people experiencing homelessness, knitting six scarves for Volunteers of America, writing 55 letters to troops through Operation Gratitude, creating 20 posters with words of affirmation for school hallways, and helping clean up Doyle Park.
“Our students showed incredible leadership and heart through these efforts, whether they were collecting items or giving their time to serve others,” SHS Principal Jack Roy said. “Experiences like this help students understand that service comes in many forms and that every contribution matters. I am proud of the way our students stepped up to support their school, community, and those beyond our doors.”
