Pattonville schools are getting into the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
“Several years ago, we started a giving tree to help out families during the holidays,” Pattonville Heights Middle School eighth grade counselor Dawn Osman said. “It started with a tree in the counseling office with ornaments that [Heights staff members] would pick off the tree to get items for students.”
They typically get each student and siblings an outfit, shoes and a gift or toy.
“We have also provided families grocery gift cards.”
Since the start of the project, other organizations have joined in to help collect donations.
Former teacher William Wessels started donating money to their holiday help fund through his Strongman organization along with C.A.P.S. Inc., Stacked and Styled, Norsemen Training, and Chaos Customs. “They hold a weightlifting competition at Heights where participants bring toy donations and the companies listed make cash donations,” Osman said. “This year, we received $1,500.”
Cafeteria worker Krista Campbell and her friend Lynda have also joined in on supporting their efforts.
“They hold an annual fundraiser at Lynda Lou's to raise money,” Osman said. “They shop for the giving tree and have helped pay off student lunch accounts as well. This year, they raised $4,000.”
With the generosity of the Heights staff and these community helpers, they have been able to provide holiday help to 19 families this year.
“It is an awesome thing to witness the generosity of so many to help our kids.”
