On December 8th, the annual Habitat for Humanity Gingerbread House building fundraiser took place in SHS’s cafeteria. It is a great hallmark of the holiday season drawing crowds of all ages and allowing community members to come together to support a great cause.
The Habitat for Humanity Gingerbread House event is targeted toward elementary and middle school-aged children. Through emails with the PTA and the distribution of fliers, the club works hard to advertise to the whole community. “It’s kind of a known tradition, so everyone knows it’s coming up, but just having advertisements with how to sign up and everything like that is something we do every year, which ensures [the program] continues,” Habitat for Humanity club co-president Cameron Roberts ‘24 mentioned.
Putting together an activity like this one is no small feat. All club members and officers work together to coordinate planning, donations, organization, and more. The event relies on member donations for much of the candy supplies while the houses are purchased through the club. “Without [the club members], this event would be nothing,” Roberts shared. The Habitat for Humanity organization is centered on volunteers building houses for those less fortunate. Not only does a community-centered fundraising event tie into this theme perfectly, but the gingerbread houses reflect the physical houses being built by the organization.
This fundraiser is by far the most successful for the club. “This is one of the times where we can generate the most income and we have the most fun too,” co-president Shayna Klingsberg ‘24 explained. The proceeds from this event and other smaller ones, such as bake sales, make up the larger sum of money that the club donates to Habitat for Humanity for Westchester at the end of the year.
“I think it’s a great thing to be able to donate a substantial amount every year,” Roberts added.
During COVID-19 restrictions, the club paused the event. When restrictions were lifted, Habitat for Humanity was excited to be able to resume the longstanding tradition. They faced difficulties, however, when trying to organize an event none of the club members had any experience organizing and relied heavily on the guidance of their club advisor Ms. Waters. “Last year was a little more difficult just because it was the first time the event had been happening in a few years,” Klingberg explained.
Overall, community members enjoyed the program. “I thought the event was well organized and fun,” Samina Malik ‘26 commented. Participants were provided with a pre-built house to decorate with all the candy and frosting they could dream of. From M&M’s to gummy bears to candy canes, and every color of frosting imaginable. During the event, club members were on standby, ready to give out more candy and frosting flavors to attendees.
“Everyone was very helpful and on top of everything, plenty of people came by to refill the candy or ask if my family and I needed anything,” Malik added.
“I think it’s really important to have an event focused on holiday, community unity, and fundraising because those are all values in Scarsdale.”
If you couldn’t make the event this year, definitely add it to your calendar for next December!
Habitat for Humanity meets on Thursdays after school in room 366. If you’re interested in joining, reach out to Shayna Klingsberg or Cameron Roberts.
