Our Annual Giving Tree program kicks off on Nov. 6, 2023!
Curious about how the program works and who it helps? Check out the FAQs below. All gifts are due by Sunday, Dec. 3.
How does the Giving Tree work?
Guidance counselors in all of the Kettering City Schools work with parents to fill out a form for each child listing their gender, age, and gift ideas. Students must be on free/reduced lunch to qualify for this program. This is the only source of referrals accepted.
We create a tag of gift ideas and details about 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, Lathrem Senior Center, and Kettering Recreation Complex).
Anyone can select a tag from the trees. After selecting a tag, Givers shop for the child listed on the tag and returns the tag and unwrapped gifts to any Giving Tree location.
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?
Families that are in the Kettering City School District
Who can select tags from the trees?
Anyone and everyone who wants to help. People and organizations all over the area get involved and make a huge difference for the kids in our community.
Where can I find a tree with tags?
Tags are in these City of Kettering facilities – Kettering Fitness and Wellness Center, North and South Government Centers, Rosewood Arts Center, Lathrem Senior Center, and the Kettering Recreation Complex.
I can’t get out shopping; can I still participate or 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 made online at https://www.ketteringparksfoundation.org/support/donate/ or sent to “Kettering Parks Foundation, 3600 Shroyer Road, Kettering, OH 45429.”
“Santa’s Helpers” are also needed to help sort and distribute gifts in the week of Dec. 4. If you would like more information on how to be involved or how to donate please feel free to contact Shenna Manoussakis, at shenna.manoussakis@ketteringoh.org