Dec. 17, 2024-- It goes in phases, because holiday cheer this extensive needs to be planned.

It starts with the Toms River Education Association helping to fund what the High School South Spirit Club calls its Caroling Trip. The students use that funding to purchase gifts for patients at Children's Specialized Hospital. They wrap the gifts back at school (top left). Then the fun begins.

The Spirit Club ventures out to Hampton Ridge Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Toms River, where they sing carols for residents of the facility. Then they travel to the Children's Hospital where they provide their gifts to young patients, bringing smiles to faces and joy to families and hospital workers. Finally, they conclude the evening at the home of Karen Schiffer, High School South Class of 1987, who hosts holiday-themed activities and general merrymaking for the club.

This is an annual occurrence that never gets old, and it took place again last night.

"It was a magical evening," said Spirit Club advisor David Correll.