The blood drive took place Sept. 20 and Coffeehouse, a popular wintertime event, will take place this Dec. Spring will carry with it the popular food drive as well. New this year is a Toys for Tots effort in which toys are collected for less fortunate children.

 The blood drive this fall was a success and  ended up taking place the same day as the Fall Fair, which was a change from last year. Other changes are happening this year as well.

 English teacher and co-head NHS advisor Chris Engler, along with French teacher and other co-head Mary Ellen Kasak-Saxler, explained some of this, “Normally our blood drive is a week later but it needed to be a week early due to changes with the Red Cross. And of course there is exciting new leadership, such as with Jake [Fedorowski, senior].”

 NHS members are now looking forward to the infamous Coffeehouse event, held in Dec.

 “Coffeehouse is going to be bigger and better this year,” explained junior officer Sophia Portelli. “And we’re hoping to get a bunch of great acts and possibly move it to a new location.”

 In previous years, Coffeehouse was held in the Black Box but a possible new location is yet to be determined. This is not the only change from previous years, however.

 Junior officer Abby Lange explained, “We may keep it in the Black Box but we can’t fit as many people then. If we moved it to the gym we would have more room and better technology but it takes away from the intimacy of the black box. The addition of Toys for Tots as a fundraiser this year is also something that I’m looking forward to. It’s great to know we are benefitting the lives of children as a community.”

 As a whole, prospects are looking up for the future of NHS this year.

 “We’re very excited… [the leaders] are very organized and have a lot of energy,” said Engler. “We’ve had great leadership in the past and they’re just continuing that on. They’re anxious to make sure everyone’s complying to our expectations as an organization, so that’s good too.”

 NHS efforts will impact lives around the globe.

 “Last year, we donated $500 to an organization in South Africa that helps orphans be able to go to school,” adds Engler. “It would be great to continue this contribution. We are not yet sure about the other organizations that will benefit from this year’s fundraisers, as the NHS members will vote on them.”

There are many ways in which students can become involved and contribute to these efforts.

 “Giving time and energy into the events that NHS organizes is very helpful,” Portelli said. “Donating, whether it be blood in the blood drive or canned goods in the food drive, is one huge way to help the NHS cause. Service is worthwhile to others and it benefits your own body and mind.”

Volunteers and student involvement in these events are always much appreciated.