Ingredients for a picturesque holiday season often include: presents, friends, family, presents, a big family meal, Christmas trees or menorahs and presents. When What these things are taken away, many families are left with financial strain.

It is no secret that the economy has made many tighten their budgets this year, however during the holiday season these problems come to the forefront. A survey conducted by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling found that an enormous 40 percent of Americans will not be spending any money for the holiday season on account of financial difficulties.

This is where Principal Dr. Debra Munk has stepped in. “I have participated in “Sub for Santaa�� projects, but never knew for sure if families really got what they needed” said Dr. Munk. So three years ago marked the first Holiday Fund Drive. This drive includes money donations made by the RHS community.

While students make plans for winter break, the administration is sending out emails, posting on Ramsnet and making announcements trying to raise as much money as possible. Last year alone they made over $3000. Since teaming up with the SGA they have been able to provide 100 dollar Safeway gift cards to around 300 families in need.

This year, administration managed to collect $3496.89. At lunch on Tuesday, the SGA class officers gathered for a Battle of the Classes on Main Street and shook every last cent out of their passing peers. The juniors won the Battle of the Classes and raised more than $90.