HAVERHILL — Whittier Tech students are putting the “Wildcat Way” into action this Thanksgiving season through a large-scale community service effort that began with an idea from sophomore dental assisting students, according to school officials.
Wanting to make a positive impact, students proposed hosting a hygiene drive to support local families. Their instructors helped bring the idea to life: Dental Assisting Instructor Caitlin Deaveu connected with Cosmetology Instructor Nancy Calverley and the Interact Club to identify where the donations could be most helpful. At the same time, the Haverhill YMCA’s Tracy Fuller reached out seeking student volunteers for The Gratitude Project, a partnership with the United Way that provides Thanksgiving meals to 400 families in Haverhill.
“This project is a powerful example of how our students live out the Whittier Way, stepping forward, working hard, and supporting others,” said Caitlin Deveau, dental assisting instructor. “We are incredibly proud of their dedication to serving the community.”
The timing aligned perfectly, and Whittier Tech students stepped up.
Dental students collected enough hygiene products to assemble 300 fully stocked bags for families in need. Students and staff volunteered on Friday, November 21, helping set up for Saturday’s distribution event. Charitable organizations, including Sacred Hearts Food Pantry, the Haverhill Rotary Club, and eight additional community partners, each selected 40 families to attend Saturday’s event and receive a Thanksgiving meal. Whittier Tech will also be on-site volunteering throughout the day on Saturday.
This effort highlights Whittier Tech’s commitment to SkillsUSA values, including demonstrated leadership, commitment to service, teamwork across programs, professionalism in action, community engagement and career-ready skills.
“Through teamwork, leadership, and service—core SkillsUSA values—we’re learning how to make a real difference while growing as students and future professionals,” Interact Club Vice President Skylar Cur said.
For more information about Whittier Tech, visit: www.whittiertech.org