The Guilford Teen IRIS Club, made up of high school and middle school students in town who want to support immigrant and refugee families, is holding a holiday gift drive this Saturday, Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon in front of Page Hardware.

A relatively new organization in the Guilford school system, the club has seen a large influx of interest and membership this year as more members of the community are aware of the struggles and needs of local immigrant and refugee families, and the holidays are a special time of need, according to Club President Claire Pringle.

“I have so many enthusiastic members,” Pringle said. “I’ve had a lot of members coming to meetings, sharing their ideas, helping get the word out about events and helping volunteer.”

IRIS, which stands for Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services, is a New Haven-based nonprofit that facilitates the relocation of refugees from around the world, and continues to support them with housing, education, and legal services once they arrive in the state. Pringle started the club as a passion project after her experience fundraising for IRIS for her birthday.

This holiday gift drive is likely particularly important as many people struggle financially, with immigrants hit particularly hard by all aspects of the pandemic. Pringle said this is the first year IRIS has asked her club to help collect toys and gifts.

“I imagine that there’s just a lot of economic trouble this year, and having us help out for just these small things to bring some cheer to the holiday season is really important,” she said. “I’m really grateful that we have this opportunity to help out.”

This is the third initiative the club has run this year, which Pringle said was both indicative of the greater need as well as the dedication of the club members. The club has also run virtual game nights to allow Guilford kids and immigrant and refugee children chances to relax and get to know each other.

Pringle thanked the Guilford Free Library for helping the club grow, and said it felt good to have IRIS representatives asking for the club’s help, as it has successfully provided things like winter gear and school supplies already this year.

“I was able to ask them what we could help them, and maybe last year we weren’t in the place where we could help them with this drive,” she said.

Residents are asked to donate almost any kind of toy, for all ages, which the club will then deliver to IRIS representatives, Pringle said. Toys that include weapons or complex, small parts cannot be accepted, and though there is no specific size restriction, Pringle said very large items might be difficult for her and club members to transport.