This past December, the EPAC (Ellis Performing Arts Center) hosted a heartwarming and festive Christmas Tree Decorating Service Project, which brought together classes and organizations from our High School and Middle School to showcase their creativity and holiday spirit, all while supporting charitable causes.
The first five teams to email in were given the opportunity to decorate a Christmas tree in the EPAC lobby. These teams included: the Academic Enrichment Classes, Student Council, Latta High School Shall Go, FFA, and FCA. Each team was encouraged to choose a theme for their tree and was allowed to decorate with a combination of store-bought, homemade, or borrowed decorations. The trees were displayed throughout the month of December, bringing a touch of festive cheer to visitors coming to an event.
A money box was placed in the lobby for each decorated tree, allowing the public to vote for their favorite by making a donation. The funds raised from the donations will go to a charity chosen by each participating team, making the event not only a celebration of the holiday season but also a way to give back to the community.
As visitors entered the EPAC during the month, they enjoyed a variety of creative themes, each directly related to the group that decorated the tree. Visitors from the youngest to the oldest enjoyed looking at the different trees and placing their votes.
And the winner is....... the Academic Enrichment Classes raising $279 which was given to the Dillon County Animal Shelter. The FCA group raised $251 that will help students be able to go on the FCA retreat this coming March. The FFA group raised $191, given to Habitat for Humanity for Dillon and Marion Counties. The Student Council group raised $128 which was given to the Helping Hands Food Bank and the Latta High Shall Go raised $113.53 which was donated to the Pregnancy Center of Dillon County. Checks for the money raised were presented on January 15, 2025 to the different organizations chosen. This was an excellent service learning project for all involved.
