Niles Students Against Destructive Decisions members, from left, Alysia Taylor, Dallas Houck, Paige Lamb, Larry Lamb and Molly Eichenberg helped load a truck with non-perishable food items for the Niles Salvation Army last week. Submitted photo

For families dealing with financial difficulties, the holiday season can be a stressful time.

That’s one reason why Niles High School is teaming up with the Niles Salvation Army in a drive to collect gifts for teenagers.

From Monday through Dec. 14, students at Niles High will be collecting teen gifts for the Salvation Army’s annual Toy Shop.

“Every year we try to bring Christmas to our local teens. This year, we want to make it an amazing Christmas,” said SADD advisor Karissa Young.

At school, students can participate by bringing in items, having their picture taken at the crazy Christmas photo booth and purchasing items at the bake sale.

Gifts could be anything from gift cards to clothes to games to sports equipment. Donations can be dropped off at the high school or sent to school with a student.

“We donated roughly 450 items last year — many were small, some were larger,” Young said. “We are hoping to collect more this year and some larger gifts.”

A silent auction will be held during the high school varsity basketball game on Dec. 14.

“Come on by the basketball games and bid on one of the amazing baskets and help local teens have a great Christmas,” Young said.

Students Against Destructive Decisions, Key Club and Spanish Club are organizing the drive with the help from N-Club, Art Club and National Honor Society.