The spirit of giving calls people to purchase gifts for their loved ones during the holiday season, but this winter, it also calls to give to those in need. The FHS Tiger S.T.R.I.P.E.S. organized the Celebration of Giving collects donations and gifts for kids and families in need at FHS.

“You can support a student in need by shopping for the items on their wish list,” PTO member Nikki Barrett said. “You can do this by making a monetary donation, donating Kroger gift cards in $10, $25 or $50 increments, gift bags and 60 similar/same items to fill the treat bags.”

Barrett and organizer of the Celebration of Giving say there are several ways to get involved. Whether it’s sponsoring a child or making a donation, anything helps. Sponsoring a child costs around $150-200, and it pays for clothes and items on a kid’s wish list. The cost and shopping can even be split between people.

“When one signs up to sponsor a child, he or she will receive the gender and age of the child and a wish list of items to, if possible, be purchased at the Kohl’s on 96th Street,” Barrett said. “The wish list provides suggestions of sizes and styles to help make shopping easier for the sponsor.”

Donations are delivered to the main office, and Barrett distributes them to FHS families. According to Barrett, the program supports around 22 families every year, which is about 60 kids. Even if someone doesn’t have time to do the shopping necessary to sponsor a child, donations help pay for holiday meals, wrapping materials, and small items to fill treat bags.

“I would encourage people to sponsor a child if they are able to because there are families within our school who are truly facing tough situations and/or struggling financially who won’t be able to purchase gifts for their kids this holiday season,” Barrett said, “It’s a great and feel-good way to give back to the community and bring some happiness to those in need.”

Donations are being accepted at the main office through December 9. For more information on how to sponsor a child or make a donation, contact Barrett.