Students At The Village School In Holmdel Give Back

HOLMDEL, NJ — A project started by second-grade teacher Mrs. Jami Kenney at the Village School in Holmdel resulted in Holmdel elementary school students donating an incredible 2,000 gifts this holiday season!

Mrs. Kenney started the “Giving Tree” project in 2004, which allows families to come together and spread kindness throughout the community. Children, who have parental permission to participate, select a card with a child’s name from the “Giving Tree." The children on the tree live right here in Monmouth County.

The card included three suggested gifts that the child wishes to receive. All gifts were to be unwrapped and under $25.00. Gifts range from newborn to teenage years.

This year, more than 700 students and staff members at the Village School participated, and over 2,000 gifts were collected. Some examples of gifts collected include coats, hats, pajamas, dolls, gift cards, books, strollers, toys, trains, board games and even bikes!

All gifts from the “Giving Tree” will be donated to the families as part of Family and Children Services, which is the oldest private non-profit organization in Monmouth County, celebrating 104 years of service. The agency originated with the “Operation Sleigh Bells” program which began over 100 years ago.

In addition to the Giving Tree presentation, the entire second-grade class at Village School sang a special song to represent the Giving Tree project in their annual winter concert.

Photo provided to Patch by the Holmdel school district.