Making them smile

Four staff members at West Orange High School planned a huge event called “Make Them Smile!” to make the holidays a special time for more than 80 special-needs students on Dec. 18. Michelle Cavanzon, Janessa Cavanzon, Leisa Hopkins and Rhonda Smith solicited donations in the West Orange community, and folks really came through, the said.

The students were treated to pizza and dessert, entertainment by the WOHS cheerleaders and seven or eight gifts each from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

There was a lesson in all of this fun, too. The students presented toys to Matthew’s Hope so the homeless ministry can share them with the children in the program. On hand to accept the gifts were Pastor Scott Billue and staff member Yvette Hurst.