A timeless holiday tradition, The Giving Tree is a great way for communities to spread generosity and kindness to others who may be in need.
Although Arrowhead is not a direct affiliate, Student Senate is hosting a giving tree to benefit underprivileged children in the Lake Country community.
According to The Giving Tree, a non-profit, the organization’s goal is to educate children to spread kindness and give back to those in need. Since 2009, there have been over 67,000 youth participants and over 50,000 underprivileged children have benefited from the donated gifts.
The Student Senate has been generous in providing detailed information about their own Giving Tree.
“The giving tree is important because there are so many people in our community that need help this time of year and not everybody sees that or knows that, so with a large student body that we have, the giving tree gives everybody an opportunity just to pitch in a little bit of something no matter how big or small,” Grace Kaczmarek, junior and Student Senate Member, said. “And the best part about it is knowing that you’ve done something good for someone else that needs it.”
Students from both the Arrowhead South Campus and Arrowhead North Campus have graciously donated items to The Giving Tree.
“The Giving Tree is very helpful to many families in our area to ensure all kids are able to open gifts on Christmas. It is a great way to spread kindness this holiday season,” , Kasumi Lucas, junior and Giving Tree Chair, said. “To participate, individuals select a tag from the tree, purchase the gift listed on the tag, then return the gift to the tree for donation.”
AQuestion and Answer session with students provided more information on how the student body interacts with The Giving Tree.
Q: Are you participating in The Giving Tree this year?
A: “Yes,” Maddy Burton, senior, said.
Q: Do you know anyone else who might be participating?
A: “Two other people, Elijah Meyer and Isabella hall,” Maddy Burton, senior, said.
Q: Why did you decide to participate in the giving tree?
A: “I think every child deserves a good Christmas, even if they cant afford it,” Maddy Burton, senior, said.
Q: Do you like the idea of our school having a Giving Tree?
A: “Oh yeah, I definitely do,” Maddy Burton, senior, said.
Q: Do you know anyone else who might be participating?
A: “Yes I do,” Elijah Meyer, senior, said.
Q: Why did you decide to participate in The Giving Tree?
A: “I thought about it in previous years and never did it, but I never had the funds, so this year I decided to do it,” Elijah Meyer, senior, said.
Q: Are you participating in The Giving Tree this year?
A: “Yes, that I am,” Isabella Hall, senior, said.
Q: Why did you decide to participate in the giving tree?
A: “My friend recommended it and I figured it was a good idea,” Isabella Hall, senior, said.
The Arrowhead Newspaper thanks all of those who were able to participate in this year’s Giving Tree. For those who could not donate this year, it will be back next year.
