As we begin a new year, I want to pause and reflect with deep gratitude on the many ways our community showed up for Wissahickon at the close of 2025. Time and again, you remind me that WCS is more than a school. It is a community rooted in care, generosity, and shared responsibility.

That spirit was on full display during our annual WissaGIVING Week in November. This year’s theme, “Joy and Comfort at Wissahickon,” reflected both the joyful experiences that make school memorable, like field trips, school dances, and afterschool sports, and the critical support families needed during a period of uncertainty around SNAP funding. Through WissaGIVING, we could fully stock our new food pantries and maintain a reserve of funds for families facing crises, allowing us to provide winter coats, toiletries, and other essential needs as they arise.

And the response was extraordinary! More than 120 individuals came together to raise over $20,000, unlocking two generous challenge gifts (Flynn Corson’s $10,000 matching gift and Jane Alavi’s $5,000 challenge gift) and bringing the total impact of WissaGIVING to nearly $40,000! You can find a comprehensive list of WissaGIVING donors below.

While SNAP funding has since been restored, payments have remained inconsistent, and many families, even those who do not receive SNAP support, are feeling the strain of rising costs. We are deeply grateful to partners who stepped in with holiday support, including the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation and Jefferson Einstein, who sponsored several families with holiday meals and gifts for children. We also extend heartfelt thanks to the families of our Board of Trustees Chair and Vice Chair, Erich Holland and Shauna Mace, who generously sponsored two Wissahickon families.

Finally, I must shout out our own Wissahickon students! During Homelessness Awareness Month in November, students at the Awbury Campus, led by Student Council, organized a successful Canned Food Drive, demonstrating empathy, leadership, and a commitment to caring for others.

With gratitude,

Kristi