Sara Stadem | Editor
It’s that time of year again when the West Central School District, along with community members, is paying it forward to those that could use some extra blessings this holiday season.
The Giving Trees are a long-time standing tradition at the West Central schools, according to Humboldt Elementary Administrative Assistant Lois Thompson. “I have been here 25 years and it has been going on long before me,” Thompson said.
Thompson explained each school, West Central high school, middle school and both elementary schools have something that are displayed for their Giving Trees, most being a Christmas tree itself.
If you are looking for ways to pay it forward, a child can be sponsored by visiting one of the Giving Trees at any of the West Central schools. The West Central School District has also indicated they are accepting donations of gift-wrapping supplies and gifts of cash or gift cards.
The West Central School District is hoping to bless over 30 children this season with the help of community members with donations being due by December 8. If you have any questions or want to drop off donations, please contact:
Amy Lupkes, West Central High School Counselor
Phone: 528-6236 or Email: amy.lupkes@k12.sd.us
Sara Jost, West Central Middle School Administrative Assistant
Phone: 528-3799 or Email: sara.jost@k12.sd.us
Pam Graham, Hartford Elementary Administrative Assistant
Phone: 528-3215 or Email: pam.graham@k12.sd.us
Lois Thompson, Humboldt Elementary Administrative Assistant
Phone: 363-3131 or 528-3325 or Email: lois.thompson@k12.sd.us
West Central Hartford Elementary School Administrative Assistant Pam Graham said, “We live in a wonderful community where residents come together and support others when there is a need.”
The Giving Trees are sponsored by Hartford Hometown Christmas, local churches, local businesses and families and the West Central School District.
The Tri-Valley School District is also doing an Angel Tree to help those families that could use some extra blessings this holiday season. This past week the Tri-Valley Education Association came together to make 37 tie blankets for their Angel Tree families.
The Tri-Valley School was unavailable for comment with regards to their Angel Tree at the time of publication.