Caitlyn Martin ‘17

Reality Check VS, and advocacy group made up of local high school students, has been working hard to spread both holiday cheer as well as awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence this season.

Because December is national Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness month, the group wanted to do a “street-marketing activity,” meaning an awareness-increasing activity, which would be fun and easy to share. The group decided to film a short video showing “A Day in the Life of A Drug User” using puppets. Now finished, the video is publicly posted on YouTube here

The public is strongly encouraged to watch and spread the video.

In a more seasonal spirit, Reality Check has initiated a Toy Drive at the Vinton-Shellsburg high school for the children enrolled at HeadStart preschool in Vinton. They are accepting new or slightly used toys for boys or girls from ages 3-5 in a box stationed outside the main office of the high school.

Not only is the Toy Drive taking place at the high school, it’s also a competition between advisors. The advisor group that contributes the most toys will receive a large pizza of their choice and treats for a day during their advisor period. Based off of current standings, Mrs. Weber and Mr. Zuspann’s advisors are tied for first, followed closely by Mr. Johnson’s advisor. The drive ends on Dec. 17th, when Reality Check members will be wrapping the toys and preparing them for distribution to the children.

Reality Check has shown their spirit this month by volunteering to ring the iconic Salvation Army bell at the local Fareway, and would like to encourage others to join in on the experience. It can be a lot of fun with a group, ringing the bell and spreading holiday spirit, all while raising money for a good cause.

Ring the bell, donate a toy, or spread the word about driving safety. Whatever you choose to do this season, make it worth sharing!