Branches of generosity

The giving spirit remains strong and bright in the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School District.

Now in its fourth year, the H-M-S Giving Tree is once again providing holiday cheer to students in need this Christmas. Organizer Jenna Hemiller reported the gift drive will serve 48 kids from 16 families ranging in age from newborn to age 18.

"The community support is always incredible," she said. "The H-M-S Giving Tree is my baby and I love organizing it."

Those wishing to donate presents to the H-M-S Giving Tree can pick up ornaments with a child's wish list at participating locations in Hartley, Melvin and Sanborn. Giving Tree kids get three ornaments: two pieces of clothing, which are typically pants and shirts, and then one toy.

According to Hemiller, ornaments "flew out" of participating locations before trees were even up this year. Despite the rush, a few are still available for adoption.

Any ornaments left this Friday will be posted on the Giving Tree's Facebook page @HMSGivingTree, as gifts are due back Friday, Dec. 9. If all ornaments are adopted, Hemiller suggested donating to the H-M-S Giving Tree fund at Savings Bank in Hartley or Venmo @HMSGivingTree.

"Each dollar donated goes back to the kids," she said.

The H-M-S Giving Tree started in 2019 following a conversation between coworkers about a local child who didn't have a warm winter coat. Inspiration was also pulled from another community that has been doing a similar project for more than two decades.

Organization of the Giving Tree has been streamlined throughout the years, and Hemiller said donations from the community help bolster what is offered to families. Each year they've handed out a stocking cap to each child and a shirt has also been included in the bundle. Goodies courtesy of H-M-S FCCLA members have become a favorite, and this year a Christmas sensory sand kit has been created for each family.

"We hope it sparks the children's creativity to decorate a tree they cut out with cookie cutters, build a snowman, or decorate a cupcake," Hemiller said. "We also have a few other fun ideas for each child if funds allow."

Gift donations from local groups like the IEF Club and H-M-S FFA Chapter also bulk up each family's bundle. Hemiller admitted she's repeatedly amazed at the generosity of local community members.

"It is so inspiring to receive this amount of community support and we appreciate every act of kindness given to this project," she said. "The overwelmeing love and support means the world to us and we hope to brighten a few local children's Christmases for years to come."