On any given day, you may find members of the Interact Club at Manheim Central High School (MCHS) out and about in the community. "We do a lot of service projects," said Rachel Stephens, co-president of the club. "We help in any way we can. We've done a lot of work with local charities."

The club will be one of two beneficiaries of donations that will be collected during MCHS' annual holiday concert. Donations will be used for scholarships presented at the end of the year to a senior chosen by the club advisers and to a senior selected by the music department. The concert will be held on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. at the middle school, 261 White Oak Road, Manheim.

Rachel said the club is one of the school's main outlets for community service. "I love that this is an opportunity to complete community service with a group without having to do it on my own," she shared.

Payton Snyder, who is the club's vice president, said being a part of Interact has helped her build relationships. "I've had the chance to connect with so many different people through this club," she remarked. "I know people in different grades at school, and it's also helped me get to know people in the community."

Interact members have completed community service projects at the Home on Ferdinand, Pleasant View Communities and Brittany's Hope, among other organizations. Camryn Heth, club co-president, said the club helps with child care during PTO meetings and other elementary events and assists with Wednesday night dinners at Salem Church as well.

Club secretary Sydney Peters said all of the service projects have been fun and rewarding. "When we go to Pleasant View and spend time with the residents or we volunteer with Brittany's Hope, we're really getting to know people who live in our community," she remarked. "I love that."

The club currently has about 100 members, each of whom prioritizes community service, said Raegan Nissley, club treasurer. "It feels good to serve and give back to organizations and people in our community," she commented.

The Interact Club advisers are Amy Burdyn and volunteer adviser LuAnn Wise. Club members will hand out programs prior to the concert and will collect donations for the scholarships during intermission.

The concert will feature the MCHS concert band, under the direction of John Brackbill; orchestra, directed by Shenna Caravella; and choir, directed by Stephanie Magaro. Among the selections will be well-known Christmas tunes, including "Silent Night," "Carol of the Bells" and "White Christmas," along with other pieces such as "Toboggan," by JaRod Hall; "Winter Solstice," by Todd Parrish; and "You Do Not Walk Alone," by Elaine Hagenberg.