This year has been extraordinarily difficult for many families. Factors including COVID-19 and the August 10 derecho have had a physical, emotional and financial impact on our community. During times like this it is good to know that the Holiday Giving Project is available to make the holiday season a little brighter for MISD families who are struggling with financial needs.
The Holiday Giving Project has been a MISD tradition since 1994. Celebrating its 26th year of helping Marion families, the project takes place in December and allows participants to “adopt” families in need of financial support.
The program was started by the Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) club at Marion High School by teens who wanted to make a difference for a few local families in need. They collected gifts and donations and distributed the items to families, showing that support, and hope, is available.
Now retired teacher Madonna Putnam was instrumental in the growth of the Holiday Giving Project. “MISD is such a family-oriented district, they really reach out to make sure that those in need are supported. I taught special education at the time and worked with families that really needed help and everyone realized that you need to give back and help each other. This is what made the Holiday Giving Project so successful, people reaching out and helping each other.”
Both Putnam and Marion Independent School District Social Worker Michelle Wilson evolved the program into a district wide tradition, moving from providing holiday gifts to a few families to providing gifts, food, clothing, blankets and hygiene items to over a hundred families, creating a powerful sense of community.
Through the adoption process the family receives a family gift and each child receives their own wrapped gift. Grocery items are provided to families to ensure that kids have access to food during the holidays when school is not in session and other needs such as winter coats, blankets and cleaning items are met as well.
In 2019 individuals and groups throughout our district and Marion community helped provide food and gifts to 170 families – and 749 individuals! Students and staff members in all MISD buildings helped with food and gift giving.
Though the program will look a little different this year to ensure safety for volunteers and participants, the focus on store gift cards allows parents to specify a store that will meet the toys/clothing/shoe needs for their children. Planning began in September to ensure that gifts and items are delivered to families in mid December. Although many staff and volunteers are involved in collecting donations and purchasing gifts for families, participating families are assigned an identification number to protect their confidentiality. The amazing coordinators of this event want to ensure not only that families feel comfortable asking for what they really need, but that these needs are met in a way that provides them with dignity and respect.
If you feel called to make a difference for families over the holiday season, there is still time to participate and feel the joy of making a difference for others. Learn more by visiting the “Holiday Giving Project” page on our website or call our office at (319) 377-4691 X1110. Thank you to everyone who is making a difference this holiday season, giving the families a serve both needed items and the knowledge that people do care.