Encina High School students host ‘Encina Cares’ drive to support families
![Families browse clothing and children’s items during the Encina Cares community donation event inside school cafeteria.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1766098103/sanjuanedu/yu5q4xoyuvfmltsc1ajt/Thumbnails.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1766098103/sanjuanedu/yu5q4xoyuvfmltsc1ajt/Thumbnails.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1766098103/sanjuanedu/yu5q4xoyuvfmltsc1ajt/Thumbnails.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1766098103/sanjuanedu/yu5q4xoyuvfmltsc1ajt/Thumbnails.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1766098103/sanjuanedu/yu5q4xoyuvfmltsc1ajt/Thumbnails.png","width":1600}])
Encina High School students host ‘Encina Cares’ drive to support families
Encina High School students organized a community donation drive, Encina Cares, on Dec. 8 to support local families in meeting basic needs ahead of winter break.
Held in the school cafeteria, the event collected a wide range of donated items, including canned food, clothing for all ages and infant supplies such as diapers, toys and household goods.
“Encina Cares gives us an opportunity as an Encina community and surrounding partners to give back,” said Nicholas Navasero, the school’s student government teacher. “It helps ensure families in the surrounding areas have what they need, especially during the upcoming winter break.”
Navasero said the student government-led event also provided students with a hands-on lesson in community building and service. He described the drive as a meaningful way for students to extend their learning beyond the classroom.
Organizers said the strong community response reflected broad support for the initiative.
Families expressed appreciation for the support. Qasim Noori, whose student attends Greer Elementary School, said such events provide important support for families in need.
“Such programs create opportunities for low-income and newly arrived families to receive essential items, even if it is something as basic as diapers, shoes or other necessities,” Noori said.
Students said the experience was both rewarding and impactful.
“We really get so happy when we’re giving back to people who need things,” said Asma, sophomore class president in Encina’s student government. “We learn about community service, and it feels good to help people who need support.”
Somia, also a 10th-grade student, said seeing the impact of the donations made the experience especially meaningful.
“It feels great,” she said. “When I see people get what they need and how happy they feel, it makes me happy too.”
Student government leaders said Encina Cares reflects Encina High School’s commitment to service, compassion and community engagement.