From giving blood, food and other items for people in need, Heritage has multiple ways to give back to the community so anybody can be a part of this common goal. This time of year is a time of gratitude and giving back to the people who supported you though the year. Year after year, fellow faculty, teachers, students and more collectively hold events such as these that leave lasting impressions on the surrounding community.
As of November 21 of 2025, Heritage had a food drive that not only brought a victory for the school against Rogers High School, but also brought victory to the members of Rogers. Ramen noodles, canned food and feminine products were a majority of the items donated. This year alone gathered over 47,263 donations, soaring over last year’s 36,000 donations collected. With this achievement comes the Samaritan House Food Drive Cup, a trophy awarded to the winner of the food drive between Heritage and Rogers, with Rogers only coming in at around 4,000 donations.
“[This drive] will make an impact on thousands of families throughout our local area,” said proud Secretary of STUCO, Evinson Lopez (12).
Heritage does its annual blood drive during the winter season. Students alike volunteer to donate blood organized by The Red Cross. Preparation includes eating carbs and other heavy foods, drinking lots of water and getting plenty of rest leading up to the day. These precautions ensure they are prepared to give a vital life fluid. Once drawn and collected, the blood proceeds and is sent to process centers for testing and the separation into red blood cells, plasma and platelets. With a donation as big as blood, students are shown to a relaxing lounge area that provides them with a number of snacks and refreshments to recover. This year alone, the community of Heritage reached a staggering 122 donations, leading to the ultimate defeat of Rogers, coming in at a nearing 116.
“It felt so good to see so many people come to donate blood. It [really] feels like we’re making a difference,” said another member of STUCO, Christian Ruby (11).
Along with the blood drive, opportunities like the annual coat drive and toy drive opens students to earning community service hours. The coat drive, organized by the National Honors Society, collects lightly used coats and jackets for the dignity closet. The dignity closet is a resource for students that are in need of certain items or food with a referral. The drive will be going on December 1 though the 5. On the other hand, the toy drive is organized by LULAC, FCCLA and Educators Rising. Their mission is to collect toys for the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Hospital, with the drive beginning on December 1 and going through the 12. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to bring whatever they can, given that anything is appreciated.
“[The toy drive] gives students an opportunity to get community service and help their community and students in need,” said NHS sponsor, Deanna Reed.
