Students buy Christmas presents for fellow classmates in need

FORT WORTH, Texas - Timber Creek High School students were surprised by what they found on fellow students' Christmas lists: basic necessities like clothes and soap.

It showed them how much their help was needed and how good it made them feel to do it.

Dozens of Timber Creek’s National Honor Society students wrapped hundreds of gifts. The presents were for less fortunate students. They were purchased with $10,000 raised by the students themselves.

“Just knowing that they're helping somebody that they could be sitting right next to in their own classes, I think that's what drives them the most,” said teacher Cerissa Johnson. “But just the generosity of their hearts just to see how much they give."

For the students in a tax-wealthy district, they were surprised at the items on the wish lists of their less fortunate peers.

"I would expect most people would want a toy or something for Christmas, something for them to have fun with that they don't already have,” said student Steven Bisso. “But they just want some basic necessities such as clothes and shoes."

"Soap. I didn't think that's what some people were needing for Christmas,” said student McKenzie Blackburn. “But I'm glad I was able to provide that for them."

A bike was purchased for a student who needed a way to school when his parents both work. The students got a chance to buy the gifts while never knowing the identities of the families they're buying for.

"I actually find it more rewarding than buying presents for myself or for my family,” said student Hayes Harkins. "It's pretty amazing. It's very rewarding, for sure."

The gifts will be privately presented to the families over the next two weeks.