Paying it forward

There may be a new face at the helm, but the mission remains the same for the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Giving Tree.

Debra Henderson, of rural Hartley, took over organizing efforts this month from founder Jenna Hemiller. The Giving Tree provides gifts to H-M-S students in need during the holidays, which Henderson believed was an important tradition to keep alive following Hemiller's recent move from the area.

"It's been very gratifying so far," Henderson said. "I'm just amazed at the community's willingness to give to something like this. They've been seeking me out asking how to help and how to contribute more."

This year 39 kids from 14 families will benefit from the Giving Tree. The project was started by Hemiller in 2019 and has grown into a holiday staple in the H-M-S communities.

Henderson was more than happy to take over operations. The Hartley native remembers lean times growing up, and her family received help during holidays from Ruth and Marlin Vetter.

"One time I asked Ruth how I could repay them; what I could do to help," Henderson recalled. "She told me to someday just pay it forward. That's what I'm doing with this now – paying it forward."

Henderson admitted she's a little behind schedule this year – she didn't take over operations of the Giving Tree until late November. Hemiller has been helping her out, though, and she's figuring out the ropes.

"What better way to learn than to be thrown in the ocean and told how to swim," she said with a laugh.

Those wishing to contribute to the Giving Tree may pick up an ornament from trees located at Iowa State Bank and Sanborn Savings Bank in Sanborn; Treimer's Insurance Agency, Savings Bank and United Community Bank in Hartley; and JR's in Melvin. Wrapped gifts are due back Dec. 14, with distribution slated for Dec. 18.

Henderson said she has been impressed by the Giving Tree's impact.

"It's not just people grabbing an ornament to get gifts for one child, it's groups and other people making baskets of goodies, donating food and doing other things," she said. "It incorporates the whole community. It's really more than just a tree with presents under it."