IN Woodland Hills Fall 2018 | Page 41

e The Chocolate The Helping Unconditionally and Giving Support (HUGS) volunteer program joined the Woodland Hills Foundation during the 2017- 2018 school year. Originally formed as a school district program in 2017, HUGS was designed to aid in classrooms, within schools and in the district office. HUGS is now a completely volunteer-run organization that has over sixty active volunteers across all Woodland Hills buildings. In the short time since it was created, HUGS has grown to th with include hosting community events and partnering community providers. In October 2017, the group hosted their first event of the year, HUGS Trunk-or- Treat at the high school. Participants in over 80 vehicles handed out candy and played games with over 1,000 community members. With its inaugural event under its belt, HUGS continued on to host several other free or nearly free events throughout the year. For the winter holiday season, a HUGS for the Holidays event brought together various clubs and organizations from within the district to host crafts and games for over 300 attendees. HUGS provided breakfast, bounce houses, and photos with Santa. Toys for Tots donated a toy for each child who attended, and the Superintendent read a Wolverine Story. A spring event, HUGS Eggstravaganza, included an egg scavenger hunt with stuffed animal adoption prizes, face painting, jelly bean bingo with the Superintendent, a strolling magician, and an origami artist. In addition to the large seasonal events, HUGS also hosted a Drive-N-Dine and Ice Pops in the Park. All of these events were free for those in attendance thanks to district-wide fundraisers like Duct Tape the Principals/ Superintendent, Dress Down Days, an 80’s Skate Night fundraiser, and a partnership with Jim Shorkey Chrysler. HUGS is a natural fit with the Foundation’s mission of supporting the Woodland Hills School District and its communities by strengthening the educational experience of our children. HUGS joins a suite of Foundation supports for the district including Scholarships, Mini-Grants and a Dream Book which are partially funded by the Chocolate & Diamonds event. As the community outreach component of the Woodland Hills Foundation, HUGS continues to grow as it provides a new avenue to help strengthen the Woodland Hills School District and community at large. For current information on HUGS activities and events, follow WHSD HUGS on Facebook. If you’d like to join HUGS, you can contact them at [email protected]. If you are interested in supporting the Woodland Hills Foundation, please visit www. woodlandhillsfoundation.com. Welcomes you to attend the 9 annual & Diamonds Affair Saturday, February 10, 2018 Edgewood Country Club Visit www.woodlandhillsfoundation.com to learn more about this year’s event, sponsorships and how to RSVP ONLINE! Save the date for the tenth annual SAVE THE DATE FOR THE TENTH ANNUAL Diamonds Diamonds Diamonds Chocolate and Diamonds Affair Saturday, February 9, 2019 WOODLAND HILLS ❘ FALL 2018 39 D