San Dieguito Academy Students 'Adopt' 20 Karen Refugee Families for the Holidays

Adopting less fortunate families for holiday gift-giving took on a new meaning for San Dieguito Academy students this season. Through SAY San Diego’s annual Adopt-A-Family holiday drive, where generous donors “adopt” families who otherwise are not able to afford gifts for the holiday, the students gained valuable lessons in civic, community and social involvement.

This year, too, the students were able to learn about the effects of decades-long hardships and extreme loss on the inhabitants a war-torn country and what it’s like be a refugee in a new country. San Dieguito Academy students were paired with 20 Karen refugee families. Using family “wish lists” as a guide, they have shopped for gifts for everyone in the family and are excited to deliver items to provide a generous and meaningful welcome, student to student.

San Dieguito Academy Associated Student Body Advisor Rod Keillor said the school has had a tradition of helping families in need during the holiday season for about 13 years.

“I am always so impressed at the level of student and faculty interest in ‘adopting’ families,” he said. “Our students fully embrace the opportunity to do undertake these projects, and are excited to be helping recent immigrants this year.”

The Karen is an ethnic minority group from Burma (Myanmar) with a turbulent history of fighting against the Burmese military dictatorship, since the late 1940s. Throughout the decades-long conflict, approximately 200,000 Karens have been displaced from their homes, according to a 2004 BBC report.

Through SAY’s dedicated efforts to gain trust, build relationships, and advocate for their needs, the agency is assisting the Karen families this holiday season. This support is part of an overall effort to help them get settled in San Diego and start a new life.

“SAY is committed to helping those in need to overcome barriers and be safe, healthy and self-sufficient, as well as an integral part of their communities,” SAY’s CEO Nancy Gannon-Hornberger said. “Through a wonderful confluence of events, San Dieguito students will experience this unique opportunity to gain insights into what it’s like for Karen refugees in a new country, while compassionately sharing gifts and a window into American culture, customs and holiday celebrations.” 

–SAY San Diego Press Release