By Yu and Kilala, YIS Students
It’s easy to forget how difficult life can be for those who struggle with poverty and homelessness, especially when we see so little of that reality in our everyday lives.
At Sukui No Te, we focus on supporting people in our local community who are experiencing homelessness. Our group works to provide everyday necessities like food, clothing, and other items that bring comfort and dignity to daily life. Through our activities, we hope to share kindness, raise awareness, and remind others that even small actions can make a real difference.
As the holiday season approaches, we’re preparing for our annual event, The Giving Tree. Starting next week, Giving Trees will be placed in several areas around school. Each tree will have tags listing items that are currently needed. Students and teachers can take a tag, purchase or bring the listed item, and return it as a donation.
Items needed include:
- Clothing: socks, scarves, gloves, sweaters, beanies, fleeces, jackets, blankets, footwear
- Food: nuts, canned food, crackers, beef jerky, protein bars, cup noodles
- Toiletries/necessities: heat packs, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap
As the weather gets colder, these small items can make a big difference for someone facing winter without the warmth and comfort we often take for granted.
For more than a decade, Sukui No Te has partnered with local organizations to support the Kotobukichou community. Each year, new students join and continue this tradition of care — a connection that links one generation of YIS students to the next through service and compassion.
We invite everyone to take part in The Giving Tree and help share that warmth again this season.