Plenty of presents

Christmas came early Monday for 18 families in the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School District.

Organizers of the H-M-S Giving Tree doled out 147 gifts to 49 school-age children. The project is in its second year and supported entirely from community contributions.

"We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the response that our second-annual project has received. People were really thoughtful with their gifts," said Jenna Hemiller, wife of H-M-S High School Principal Nate Hemiller. "Overall, we are blown away by the communities' awesome support. Multiple parents commented how thankful they were, this year more than ever, for being the recipients of these gifts."

Hemiller organized the H-M-S Giving Tree with high school counselor Kim Spier. The project started last year following a conversation between coworkers about a little boy in the community that didn't have a warm coat. Inspiration was also pulled from another community that has been doing a similar project for more than two decades.

The H-M-S Giving Tree received resounding support in 2019 thanks to generous community contributions that served 44 children in 14 different families. The need expanded this year, and big-hearted locals answered the call.

"One little girl received a treasure chest full of shirts plus a cute little elf. Generally the gifts are wrapped tightly when they come to us, but we could open this one to peek and wow, it was heart warming," Hemiller said. "Another gift-giver reached out to me to ask the mom for specific book titles her child wanted."

In addition to individual contributions, various community and school groups donated apparel and gift baskets to each child and family. Generous monetary donors sponsored an H-M-S shirt and stocking hat for each child, along with groceries for goodie trays made by the high school family and consumer sciences foods class. Additionally, each family received a movie night bundle from the IEF Club and a bundle of fruit, meat, cheese and popcorn from the H-M-S FFA Chapter.

Community members nominated recipient families, and ultimately parents made the decision if their children were included or not. People adopted a child by taking paper ornaments from Christmas trees located at various businesses that included the child's age, a wish list and information about what size of clothes they wear. Contributors then purchased the gifts, wrapped them and returned them to the tree.

Hemiller said the project's success starts with local business' support – several businesses and clubs scooped up multiple ornaments and fulfilled the kids' wish lists. Ornaments were displayed on trees at five locations: Savings Bank, Treimer's Insurance Agency and United Community Bank in Hartley; Iowa State Bank in Sanborn; and JR's in Melvin.

Hemiller and Spier are hoping to expand the project next year.

"As the word gets out about our project supporting local children, people continue to give," Hemiller said. "Each year we hope to grow and expand our reach and offering. We are open to collaborate with various organizations and suggestions."

After the success of last year's inaugural run, Hemiller and Spier weren't surprised with the community's support, but they were humbled.

"There is a lot of planning and work that goes on behind the scenes. It is totally worth it when you can imagine the joy on the children's faces Christmas morning opening the gifts," Hemiller said. "We live in great communities that make this possible, so thanks to everyone for embracing this project and spreading cheer during the holiday season."