A Christmas drive for foster children in need is underway youngsters participating in the Guam Police Department's Project U Initiative gathered today at the GCA Trades Academy. These teens took time out of their holiday to give back to the community.

The Christmas Break program mentors teens ages 14 to 17 on the value of community. GPD Officer Susie Santos is one of the youth mentors for the program, and said, "So our focus for this year was for the I Guma Mina'åse' shelter and for the foster kids there and teaching our kids to give back in various ways and be part of community service and teaching them those values."

GW High School sophomore Rhylaieh Taitano explains what they’re doing here today. "We have feminine products, canned goods, dry noodles, toys for both females and males. Then we have a whole bunch of clothes for kids up to teenagers," she said. "We’re pretty much sorting all the clothes and products that people have donated then we’ll be wrapping them by tomorrow, hopefully."

These youth processed donated items, which will be going to the Kate Thomas Foundation and the I Guma Mina’ase Shelter for foster children.

Simon Sanchez High School junior Alissa Blas shared why she’s participating, explaining, "I just wanted to be busy during Christmas break and help out the community."

She’s no stranger to serving the community. She’s also the JROTC commander at the Home of the Sharks.

GPD officer and Project U mentor Laurence Osborn added that the students are also learning how to be responsible citizens, noting, "It’s good. It’s a challenge sometimes. With some of them it’s challenging. But it’s fun. We’re trying to teach them the values in life. So right now they’re learning about giving back and helping the community. They’re learning about donations."

The program also helping to keep students like Tiyan High School sophomore Taylor Mendiola out of trouble. "The people here are very caring. It’ll be very nice for other kids to join Project U. They show us how to get started with our own life. I was here last summer and honestly when I came out, I was like a different person. I was so much better after I got out. I went straight to applying for jobs," said Mendiola.

The youth participants will be presenting the donations to the Kate Thompson Foundation on December 23.