Megan Kenney, social worker for Twain Elementary School, stands in front of a collection of gifts intended for the 58 students and families who participated in the Giving Tree initiative this holiday season.
The spirit of the holiday season glowed a little brighter at Twain this year, as the elementary school’s annual Giving Tree initiative wrapped up by embracing 58 students and their families.
The community-based program, inspired by the children’s book of the same name, asks individuals or organizations to collect donations or organize drives to provide gifts, necessities or support to people in need, with a particular emphasis on children and families facing hardship.
For Twain, the process begins as early as October, with a Google form distributed to teachers allowing them to nominate students whose families might benefit, with McKinney-Vento families automatically included. Additionally, some families reach out directly to request participation.
Once nominations are gathered, families are then contacted to confirm their interest and determine the number of children to ensure all siblings are included. Each child is asked to fill out a “wish list” of their top three gifts they would want, along with other information, including clothing and shoe sizes, as well as other interests they may have (favorite sports teams, games, books, etc.)
A finalized list is then shared with staff through another Google form to identify those willing to support a child or family.
“We just want to get an overall picture of the child, so whoever is buying the gifts for them, they can aim for a variety of items instead of just toys,” said Megan Kenney, social worker for Twain, who has organized the initiative over the past few years.
Examples of gifts this year included a bicycle, a bean bag chair, a doll house and an overwhelming amount of winter clothing.
Kenney added that Twain was fortunate this year to receive support from Dr. Alyssa Shapiro, director of multi-tiered systems of support, who had several people outside of the District 21 community looking to help with the program. The elementary school also partnered with the YMCA.
“The Holiday Giving Tree is such a rewarding program to be a part of,” Kenney added. “It is amazing how our school community and other outside agencies come together to help our families during the holiday season.”
While it takes considerable work and planning, Kenney mentioned it was worth knowing how appreciative the families of Twain are. She also noted that one parent shared with her that this would be their first Christmas with gifts under their tree in a few years.
“Helping 58 students and their families through the Giving Tree initiative was incredibly meaningful to Twain,” said Winnie Clausell, principal of Twain. “It exemplifies the power of our school community coming together with kindness and generosity to make a difference. It’s heartwarming to see our staff, their families, and friends unite to support Twain families in need, reinforcing the spirit of belonging and care that defines our school. This initiative impacts those we help and strengthens our community, showing that we’re truly better when we support one another.”
EMPOWERING EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY
