As the community turns the page to a new year, Dublin City Schools is closing out another season defined by generosity, gratitude, and student leadership. Each November and December, all 25 schools participate in #DCSGivesBack, a district-wide initiative that brings focus to charitable efforts already happening throughout the year. The holiday season creates a moment to highlight this work and celebrate what students and staff accomplish when they rally around helping others.

What sets this effort apart is the intention behind it. Schools don’t simply collect items or raise funds. Building leaders take time to help students understand why these efforts matter. Through conversations about empathy, responsibility, and the realities families face across central Ohio, students see that their actions can make a genuine difference. That understanding becomes the spark that fuels their mission.

One of the most powerful examples came from Bishop Elementary. After reading Crenshaw, a book that explores food insecurity, students organized a school-wide Penny War. They designed the posters, created presentations, managed tracking systems, and built excitement across the building. Their work raised more than $5,000 for the Dublin Food Pantry, enough to provide over 12,500 meals.

The spirit of giving took hold across the district in many ways. The Dublin Support Association coordinated a food drive that brought in an estimated 6,000 pounds of essential items for the pantry. Families at Bailey Elementary and Chapman Elementary were among the top contributors, reinforcing how deeply this work is supported by the community.

At Coffman High School, students hosted a second annual Friendsgiving. After weeks of planning, grant writing, and cooking, they served a Thanksgiving meal to staff and created a celebration centered on appreciation and connection. After Halloween, Karrer Middle School students collected candy donations for Feed the Kids Columbus and Blue Star Moms through their “Feed the Candy Monsters” project. And at Jerome High School, freshman and sophomore cabinet members raised $18,000 through their annual fundraiser. In mid-December, they packed hundreds of snack bags and meal kits for the Ronald McDonald House and the Dublin Food Pantry.

Together, these efforts reflect something essential about Dublin City Schools. Many of our students and families are fortunate to be in a position to give, yet their donations stay close to home. Within the same district boundaries, there are neighbors who rely on this support, and their needs cross school lines and zip codes. Dublin is a diverse community, and the ability to cycle philanthropy within our own schools makes this work especially meaningful. Students learn what it looks like to care for others, understand the importance of that responsibility, and take action that strengthens the community long after the holidays have passed.