Founded over a century ago, the National Honor Society (NHS) is built on four core pillars: scholarship, service, leadership, and character. According to the organization, these values are shared amongst members and are aimed at creating a comprehensive framework to encourage students to strive for academic excellence and positively impact society.

Furthermore, the NHS states that the pillar of service represents empathy and the passion to serve others, focusing on voluntary contributions such as performing transformative and selfless acts for those in the broader community. This year, the National Honor Society at RM organized the 2025 Holiday Giving Project as its major service project to support local families during the holiday season.

From Nov. 12 to Dec. 10, each member was expected to donate at least one item to Spanish teacher and club sponsor Laura Hodge in Room 156. Accepted donations include new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children aged 0-12 valued at $15-$40 each. Members may also donate Target, Amazon, Visa, or Mastercard gift cards valued at $25-$30 for teenagers aged 13-17, along with a small gift included. As a final step, all of the toys and gifts donated will then be brought to a local organization in Rockville to be distributed to those in our community who are in need.

Some NHS members interviewed for this article shared their donation plans for this campaign. “I think I will donate a toy, perhaps an old toy that I used to own that is in good shape, or I will buy one probably meant for children aged 4-8,” senior Nushrat Zaima said.

For students, one perk of the project is that they have a lot of flexibility in what they can  donate to the toy drive. As an example, not all donations are strictly required to be toys, with gift cards also being accepted, giving recipients more options to choose what they want this holiday season.

Senior Riya Gowda said she would be using this option for her donation in this campaign. “I will probably be donating a gift card for a teenager, “ she said.

Gowda also reflected on the value that the toy drive brings to the local community. “Donating toys is super important especially for those in need in our community,” she said, highlighting the NHS drive for service and compassion within local Maryland communities for which there is a special importance during the holiday season. She also added that initiatives like these, such as the RM Holiday Giving Project, instills such values into students and emphasizes the strive for empathy and selflessness.

During the holiday season, many individuals undergo increased hardships along with added financial and emotional strain that is placed upon them. Many families must prioritize essential needs such as food, housing, and clothing, leaving little room for extra holiday gifts and toys. Through the act of donations such as the NHS Holiday Giving Project, this strain is taken off of many families and relieves some of the burden.

The NHS service project wrapped up in early December, giving members a final chance to donate to the toy drive.

Students involved in the drive reflected on their participation, saying that by donating toys to those in our community, students are able to ring in the holiday spirit and ensure that no child is left without gifts during this holiday season. “I feel great knowing that I donated to a good cause and that I will be able to make a meaningful impact on my community,” Zaima said.