The idea to switch from adopting families at Christmas to focusing on teen gifts is a new holiday approach here at NDA. 

The Outreach Branch of Student Government sees the switch as a way to support students and teens in the community. 

The give-a-gift campaign started November 12 and will conclude this upcoming week. 

Individuals, advisories, classes and friends working together have selected a gift suggestion from the tree in the atrium and are expected to spend approximately $15-$35 dollars on the gift. 

Unwrapped gifts need to be returned to the tree or to Mrs. Arielle Browne in the library.

So far over 60 items have been donated and the Outreach Branch hopes many more items will be coming in this week.

“This helps the community because it provides gifts for teens during the holiday season. Many people focus on younger children, but it is important to focus on all youth. Giving a present can be an expression of love, and this program provides this for teens who may not receive a gift otherwise,” said Browne, adviser to the Outreach Branch.

The organization is through the Salvation Army and the Marine Corps.