THE GIVING TREE

Christmas will be a little more complete for about 80 Choctaw and Nicoma Park children this year, thanks once again to the generosity of the community.

For the fifteenth year running, the Choctaw-Nicoma Park Giving Tree has collected the names of the neediest students in the Choctaw-Nicoma Park School District from the counselors at each school, then collected donations to provide those students and their siblings with gifts, hygiene items and even food.  

Every child receives a coat, hat, gloves, socks, shoes, underwear, pajamas, at least two complete outfits, toiletry items and a toy or “gift wish”. Items donated in the past have included bicycles, PlayStations, basketball goals, iPods and even duffle bags signed by the entire University of Oklahoma football team.  

This program is a success because it not only stays local and allows our community to help the students within our district, but it also allows our high school students the opportunity to help sort and deliver the items to the elementary schools; which leaves an impression on their hearts for years to come.  Students have returned for many years after graduation to buy gifts for a student on the Giving Tree.  

Countless businesses, churches and families in Choctaw have helped make this project a success for a decade and a half.  These include but are not limited to: Choctaw United Methodist Church, Kiwanis Club, PT Central, Choctaw Women’s Clinic, Eastwood Baptist Church and so many others. Thank you to everyone involved in making this project a success and making the holidays memorable for so many children here in our special town.

There are multiple ways you can help. Your family can adopt a student by emailing Jaime Griggs jgriggs@cnpschools.org, and you’ll be matched up with a student’s information.  Gifts are due unwrapped to Choctaw High School no later than December 12.  You can also make amonetary donation in any amount by contacting Jaime Griggs at CHS for a receipted donationor by dropping off cash or a check made out to CHS CAST with the memo “Giving Tree” to Choctaw High School.  Finally, you can donate food, gift cards, wrapping paper, or hygiene items to Choctaw High School until December 12.  

Thank you in advance to those who participate, and happy holidays!