By Molly Lyon and Emily Diggs | Blacksburg DECA, VA
Our chapter, Blacksburg DECA, organizes the Home for the Holidays project, which brings food, hope, and kindness to those who need it most.
This project is run in loving memory of Ayesha Wintersdorff, a former DECA officer at Blacksburg High School who passed away in 2007. Ayesha was known for her leadership, compassion, and dedication to helping others.
Since then, this project has grown into a meaningful tradition that honors her memory by supporting families in our community.
Here’s how the project works: We collect donations to sponsor food bags for students who receive free or reduced lunch during the school year. Each sponsorship costs approximately $35 and provides a student with a whole bag of food to help them through winter break.
Our goal is simple: feed as many local families as possible, and we can’t do it without community support.
How can you help?
- Sponsor a Bag: A $35 donation provides one food bag for a student in need.
- Spread the Word: Tell your friends, family, and local businesses about the project.
- Donate Today: Donations can be made through the link below!
At its core, DECA empowers students to lead, serve, and make an impact. “Home for the Holidays” is just one example of how our chapter puts these values into action. Through this project, our members gain real-world experience in fundraising, project management, and most importantly, community service.
We’re proud of our chapter’s efforts and grateful for the support we’ve received over the years. “Home for the Holidays” continues to grow because of the compassion of our DECA members and the generosity of our community. Let’s continue to make a difference, one meal, one family, one winter at a time.
