Christmas On The Hill gives holiday cheer to local children

ZANESVILLE, OH- For 31 years during the holiday season the Rosecrans High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, as well as the cheerleaders give back to children in need through their Christmas on the Hill program.

This year, they gave presents to more than 150 students in need. They spend around 200 dollars on each child, helping to make their Christmas a merry one.

“Honestly my favorite thing is watching the kids open the presents, and then watching Santa Claus come into the gym and they just get that twinkle in their eye, you can’t beat it, you can’t describe it, you don’t know what it’s going to look like, but you know it’s pretty awesome when it happens,” said Ryan Bernath, a parent involved with Christmas on the Hill.

The event continues to grow each and every year with a lot of past Rosecrans alumni coming back to donate and help out.

“My favorite part is seeing the kid’s reaction when they open the gifts, and when they see they get what they wanted they just have a look of pure joy on their face and it really makes all the trouble we went through to get here it makes it all worth it really,” said Brendan Bernath, the Boys Basketball Captain.

For the children in the community, this experience brings them lots of excitement and a chance to meet Santa.

“My favorite part is being here with the families who are less fortunate than others, spending time with them and watching them open their presents and seeing how happy they are and grateful they are to be here,” said Maddie Bernett, the Girls Basketball Captain.

Christmas on the Hill at Rosecrans High School will return in 2024 for their 32nd year. To get involved contact Todd Rock at Rosecrans High School.