This holiday season, the ACS Athens community demonstrated that the spirit of giving truly is the greatest gift. With compassion and determination, students, faculty, and parents united to organize a Holiday Food Drive in support of the Municipality of Halandri’s Community Grocery Store and Soup Kitchen.

From the outset, the mission was clear: to spread holiday cheer and make a meaningful difference—and that’s exactly what they accomplished. The ACS Athens campus came alive with energy and purpose as community members gathered non-perishable food items, warm clothing, toys, and other essentials during the PTO Holiday Bazaar. This effort wasn’t just about filling boxes with goods; it was about filling hearts with hope and spreading kindness throughout the community.

On December 9th, 2024, the culmination of days of generosity took place. A dedicated team of fifteen juniors and seniors, members of the IB Council and the Development Office’s Apprenticeship Program, set out to deliver the collected donations to Halandri’s community facilities. Accompanied by Dr. Angeliki Stamati (IB Council Advisor), Ms. Lydia Skampavia (Office of Development), and PTO Board representatives—including President Ms. Mary Papachristou and Event Coordinator Ms. Lina Pallas — the students were ready to fulfill their mission.

Upon arrival, the team was met with warm smiles and heartfelt gratitude. Boxes of food, cozy clothing, hygiene products, and even a bicycle—generously donated by the PTO—were handed over to the municipality, ensuring that families in need could celebrate the holiday season with dignity and joy.

In a heartfelt letter, the Municipality of Halandri expressed deep appreciation for ACS Athens’ generosity, calling the initiative an inspiring act of solidarity. The letter further emphasized how the students’ actions set a powerful example of love, care, and compassion—reminding us all that even small efforts can create a lasting impact.

This initiative was much more than a food drive; it was a powerful lesson on leadership, empathy, and community spirit. ACS Athens students didn’t just deliver donations—they delivered hope, kindness, and joy to those who needed it most. As faculty, students, and PTO members reflected on the event’s success, one truth stood out: when a community comes together with purpose and heart, truly great things happen.

The success of this drive has paved the way for future initiatives, building momentum for ongoing collaborations with the Municipality of Halandri and strengthening ACS Athens’ dedication to serving others.

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Congratulations to the following students for their participation in this initiative:

• IB Council: Iliana Lyssaios, Simon Davis, Iliana Gkouma Nikandrou, Lakis Lazos, Fanny Mikros, Michaela Saridaki, Filip Kurantowitz, Moon Chaehwan, Evangelos Paraskevopoulos, Sofia Floriou, Seoyoung Yoon, Arion Hydras, Dora Margoni, Marin Atanasov
• Office of Development, Apprenticeship Program: Filippos Solomos