Our Annual Giving Tree program kicks off on November 8, 2021! Curious about how the program works and whom it helps? Check out the FAQs below. All gifts are due back by Sunday, December 5.
How does the Giving Tree work?
We take referrals from the guidance counselors in all of the Kettering City Schools. This is the only source of referrals we accept. Students must be on free/reduced lunch to qualify for this program. Guidance counselors work with parents to fill out a form for each child listing their gender, age, and gift ideas.
We create a unique tag for each student and distribute the tags throughout facilities run by the City of Kettering (North and South Government Centers, Rosewood Arts Center, Kettering Fitness and Wellness Center and the Kettering Recreation Complex).
Anyone can select a tag or tags from the trees. After selecting a tag, just shop for the child listed on the tag and return both tag and gift(s), unwrapped, to any of the locations listed above.
Volunteers work to sort the gifts and package them by family. They are then delivered back to the schools, so that the parents can pick them up from the guidance counselor. This allows a parent to wrap the gift and enhances their pride and ownership in giving it.
Who does the Giving Tree help?
Kettering families that are in the Kettering City School District
Who can select tags from the trees?
Anyone wanting to help a neighbor in need. People and organizations all over the area get involved and make a huge difference for the kids in need all over Kettering.
Where can I find a tree with tags?
Tags are in facilities run by the City of Kettering – Kettering Fitness and Wellness Center, North and South Government Centers, Rosewood Arts Center and the Kettering Recreation Complex.
I can’t get out to shop, can I still participate/contribute?
Yes! You can still make a difference by donating gift cards or money so that someone else can do the shopping for any unclaimed tags. Monetary donations can be sent to “Kettering Parks Foundation, 3600 Shroyer Road, Kettering, OH 45429.” Please include your contact information, so that we can send you our thanks, as well as how your donation was used to improve a child’s holiday season.
If you would like more information on how to be involved or how to donate please feel free to contact Alison Pifer, Alison.Pifer@ketteringoh.org.