Project Giving Tree
Once again, Farragut schools are stepping up to provide gifts and shopping opportunities for less fortunate families this season with Project Giving Tree.
“It is a program designed to benefit families in our community that may need a little extra help at the holidays,” event coordinator LeighAnna Colgrove expalined. “Each family served has a student at one of our Farragut schools. We aim to provide new clothing plus two toys or gifts for every child in the family, from birth to age 18. With this model, we serve children and families at all four of the Farragut public schools.”
The program began in 2010 and served six families, she added.
“Based on current applications, we will serve about 80 families again this year, totaling over 200 children,” Colgrove said.
Printed gift tags will be distributed all this week at Farragut Primary, Intermediate and Middle schools.
“We are also piloting a digital tag sign-up option this year with FMS families and FHS teachers and staff,” she said. “We hope to reach as many people as possible to help support the gift drive this year.”
On Dec. 16, the Giving Tree families will come to pick up the collected clothing and to select or “shop” for their children’s other gifts, where gift wrapping will be provided.
Project Giving Tree is jointly administered through FPS and FIS Parent Teacher Association and FMS Parent Teacher Organization.
While Colgrove serves as the overall coordinator between the Farragut schools and serves as co-chair of FMS Giving Tree with Beth Munk, Christy Davis and Ginger Phillips lead the FIS Giving Tree, and Jessica Barksdale coordinates the FPS Giving Tree.
“Our team also includes Kelley Neal with FMS PTO and our school social worker, Jelena Browning.
Anyone wishing to donate toys or gift cards to cover additional clothing needs may contact farragutgivingtree@gmail.com.
Donations also may be taken to the Farragut school offices through Friday, Dec. 6.
