Keokuk Middle School students, staff and community members raised $2,313 to purchase gifts for 45 children in need this holiday season from the annual KMS Angel Tree.
KMS students met with members of the Salvation Army to use the funds to shop for the gifts at Walmart this week. The Salvation Army discussed the importance of the project with the students and provided guidance on how to make the most of the funds used to purchase the gifts based on each child’s wish list.
The Angel Tree Project is used as a way for students to give back and understand empathy for others during the holiday season, according to KMS staff. The annual goal for the Angel Tree fundraiser is between $1,500-$2,000, to be able to provide toys and clothing for about 40 children. Each year around 20 students are nominated and selected by staff members to assist in shopping for the gifts.
KMS students had incentive days where they could bring a dollar to participate in a hat and costume day, purchase a napkin/donut, get tech time, and send candy cane grams to fellow students to raise money for the tree. Staff would like to thank the parents of the students for supporting the fundraising efforts and outside donors who also contributed to the fundraiser.
