Charity effort has taken place at Symmes Valley for more than 10 years

WILLOW WOOD — As they have done each year for more than 10 years, members of Symmes Valley High School’s Beta Club are helping the less fortunate this holiday season.

The club’s Angel Tree was set up a few weeks back, featuring cards, bearing the names children in need in the school district, advisor Jennifer Forbush, a teacher at the school, said.

Then, sponsors adopt an angel, and purchase the items listed as needs, such as clothing, and wants on the card, vice president Heath Wade said.

“People come in and get the things for the kid,” he said.

Forbush, who advises the group, along with teacher Ruth Hopkins, said that, in addition to community members buying for the children, many students have taken up the effort.

“And teachers have, too,” Karrissa Shaffer, a member of the club, said.

Hopkins said the Beta Club, which exists in many high school’s in the county, is an honors program focused on academic excellence and community service.

“We want students to be the full package,” she said.