July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
A little holiday teamwork (11/30/07)
A little holiday teamwork (11/30/07)
By By TRAVIS MINNEAR-
Members of the Jay County High School girls basketball team are working hard off the court this season to spread some holiday cheer.
They assembled after class on Thursday, loaded up a few cars and drove to Wal-Mart to buy gifts for some less fortunate children in the community.
Their efforts were part of a countywide Angel Tree program that provides presents to needy children at Christmas time. Under the program, eligible kids have their names and a list of gift requests written on paper ornaments that are placed on Christmas trees located in participating local businesses that sponsor the event. From there, individuals are encouraged to donate money to buy presents.
Kay Strausburg, a program organizer, said every elementary school student in Jay County receives an application to participate, and so far this year 610 students are taking part. Ten years ago, volunteers assisted 87 elementary school students.
"We try not to turn anybody away within reason," she said.
"Every year it just gets bigger and bigger and bigger."
The deadline to purchase gifts for students is Dec. 1. Volunteers will distribute the goodies on Dec. 7.
The Angel Tree program in Jay County originally was affiliated with the Salvation Army. However, for the last six Christmases, Strausburg said, several local women have coordinated efforts to help bring gifts to children in Jay County. Currently, volunteers rely solely on donations from community members.
"If it wasn't for the community we couldn't do this," Strausburg said, adding all proceeds stay in Jay County.
The basketball team raised money through making free throws. Players received sponsorship from friends, family and other people for 100 successful shots they each took in practice.
The squad hopes to help 10 to 15 kids this year by purchasing gifts.
"Our goal was $50 per person," said junior guard Gina Muhlenkamp.
The girls milled around the Portland Wal-Mart on Thursday in small groups, many sporting varsity athletic jackets.
Some strolled through aisles, picking up Barbie dolls and toys for youngsters while others focused on items such as clothing, pillows and blankets.
"It makes me feel good about myself," said Sharon Dirksen, a senior post player, explaining that giving gifts helps her get in the holiday spirit.[[In-content Ad]]
They assembled after class on Thursday, loaded up a few cars and drove to Wal-Mart to buy gifts for some less fortunate children in the community.
Their efforts were part of a countywide Angel Tree program that provides presents to needy children at Christmas time. Under the program, eligible kids have their names and a list of gift requests written on paper ornaments that are placed on Christmas trees located in participating local businesses that sponsor the event. From there, individuals are encouraged to donate money to buy presents.
Kay Strausburg, a program organizer, said every elementary school student in Jay County receives an application to participate, and so far this year 610 students are taking part. Ten years ago, volunteers assisted 87 elementary school students.
"We try not to turn anybody away within reason," she said.
"Every year it just gets bigger and bigger and bigger."
The deadline to purchase gifts for students is Dec. 1. Volunteers will distribute the goodies on Dec. 7.
The Angel Tree program in Jay County originally was affiliated with the Salvation Army. However, for the last six Christmases, Strausburg said, several local women have coordinated efforts to help bring gifts to children in Jay County. Currently, volunteers rely solely on donations from community members.
"If it wasn't for the community we couldn't do this," Strausburg said, adding all proceeds stay in Jay County.
The basketball team raised money through making free throws. Players received sponsorship from friends, family and other people for 100 successful shots they each took in practice.
The squad hopes to help 10 to 15 kids this year by purchasing gifts.
"Our goal was $50 per person," said junior guard Gina Muhlenkamp.
The girls milled around the Portland Wal-Mart on Thursday in small groups, many sporting varsity athletic jackets.
Some strolled through aisles, picking up Barbie dolls and toys for youngsters while others focused on items such as clothing, pillows and blankets.
"It makes me feel good about myself," said Sharon Dirksen, a senior post player, explaining that giving gifts helps her get in the holiday spirit.[[In-content Ad]]
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