The student council at Jennings County High School organizes The Giving Tree every year around the holidays with the hope that it can help provide a joyful Christmas to those within our community who need some extra help.
The Christmas wish of a child is written on a paper mitten along with their gender and age, and then the students and staff at Jennings County High School get to choose any mitten that they want off of the tree and purchase whatever the child wants.
Each child receives five gifts:
A pair of pants
A shirt
A pair of shoes
And two wants or toys that they can specify
The Giving Tree has existed for at least the past eight years. This generous event has helped to provide a better Christmas for not only young children and their families, but also nursing home residents and those in a homeless shelter.
One of the student council sponsors, Taryn Kent, reached out to the elementary schools in the school district and asked them to provide her with families who are in need of a helping hand.
The last day to bring in the unwrapped gifts to Mrs. Taryn Kent or Mr. Brad Morris is Dec. 12. If anyone needs more time, they can notify either one to make arrangements.
Even people who are not involved with the high school can make a contribution. Monetary donations can be made in the main office at Jennings County High School. Checks should be made to JCHS Student Council, and write Giving Tree on the memo line.
Any wishes which have not been taken from the tree and turned in by the deadline will still have to be purchased, and the student council will use its funds to make it happen. However, the Giving Tree is an opportunity for residents to give back to the community.
“Giving back during this time is so important,” Kent said. “I think our students and staff see the value in helping those in need, especially during the holidays. It brings joy to know that children will get to know the magic of Christmas through our giving.”
