It’s that time of year again that the teachers of South Middle School get together and think of ways to give back and show their scholars how much they love and miss them during the holiday season. Just because we can’t be in the same space physically doesn’t mean we can support our scholars.

For 3 years, instead of doing a holiday gift exchange and getting yet another scented lotion the teachers got together and bought gifts for a local Newburgh organization FEARLESS. Not only are the teachers buying gift for those in need they made a point to shop from small businesses. One of the teachers organized the whole exchange; gave links to small businesses, BIPOC businesses, collected gifts, had others send gifts to their house, and will wrap them up and drop them off. The staff collected more than $1,000 in gifts.

Fearless! is an organization based in Newburgh who serves victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. The mission of Fearless! Hudson Valley, Inc. (formerly known as Safe Homes of Orange County) is to build an informed, just, and accountable society so all people can experience supportive and safe relationships free from abuse, exploitation, and oppression. 

We are South strong!