Gardendale High School is again kicking off its annual Christmas project that raises thousands of dollars and helps hundreds of local children.

Christmas Visions raised $27,000 last year and $30,000 in 2008 for north Jefferson County students who otherwise would get little or nothing on Christmas morning.

GHS Student Council students organize and run the project. Students started collecting change from students in first block on Monday and will collect during every school day through Dec. 13.

Student council members also contact elementary, middle and high-school counselors who recommend students for the Christmas Visions program.

Hadley Sinquefield, a GHS senior who is chairperson of the student council public relations committee, said the students who receive gifts from Christmas Visions never know they have been helped by the program.

After the students collect and count the money on Dec. 13, the shopping begins. Student council members take students’ wish lists and fill their carts at Walmart in Gardendale.

Sinquefield said students were asking for items like toothbrushes and socks.

GHS Student Council will also host a Christmas Visions auction on Nov. 29 in the school auditorium.

A silent auction starts at 6:30 p.m. featuring baskets made by first-block classes. A traditional auction begins at 7 p.m. with many items donated by local businesses.

There is also a dinner at 6:30 p.m. catered by Leonardo’s. Tickets for the dinner are $10 each. There is no fee to participate in the auctions.

Individuals and businesses are invited to donate to Christmas Visions. Make checks payable to GHS and give to any student council member, drop donations off at the school, or mail to the school at 800 Main Street, Gardendale, Ala., 35071.

For more information, call 631-8789.