To meet the needs of students, teachers at North Whidbey Middle School are going above and beyond, not only in their classrooms, but outside them as well.

Once a month, the school’s staff gathers for a themed potluck, during which the staff donates money to go toward a local organization that benefits students and the community.

December’s beneficiary is always a financially strapped family or two from the middle school.

The staff donates money as usual, but they also have the option of buying a gift for the family, based on gift tags on which the family members wrote requests.

Diane Fisken, a teacher at the middle school and one of the luncheon organizers, said some people do both.

They also try to provide a gift certificate to a local grocery store during December.

“Before Christmas, we deliver all the gifts to the family,” Fisken said.

Which family selected is usually not revealed to staff members. She said they like to protect the anonymity of those they’re helping.

“As teachers, we see students within our own school who have needs,” Fisken said, “and we try to help them without singling the student out.”

Fisken said the teachers typically raise $100 to $125. During November, they raised $237 for Help House. December’s luncheon, held Dec. 12, raised $200. Fisken said people are still turning in donations.

“December’s (tally) was much greater (than usual),” Fisken said, “not counting the gifts individuals went out and bought for the family.”

With the extra money, the group plans to purchase the items on the gift tags that weren’t already purchased, if they can, Fisken said.

Santa Claus picked up the presents for delivery on Dec. 19.

“(The luncheon) brings the teachers together in a way that focuses outside of the classroom, and that’s a nice change for teachers,” Principal Bill Weinsheimer said.

“The teachers see the needs of families throughout our community every day, and this is something small and concrete that they can do to address some of those needs.”