Keokuk Middle School students, staff and community members exceeded expectations and raised $2,497.55 to purchase gifts for 48 children in need this holiday season from the annual KMS Angel Tree.
On Dec. 13, KMS students met with members of the Salvation Army to use the funds to shop for the gifts at Walmart. 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 wishlist.
KMS staff said that the Angel Tree Project was great for students to give back and learn empathy for others during the holidays. The annual goal is to raise $1,500-$2,000, and to provide toys and clothing for about 40 families. Around 20 students are nominated/selected by KMS staff members to assist in shopping for the gifts.
To raise the money, students were offered incentive days and encouraged to bring a dollar to participate in a hat, donut, and pajama day, tech time, and send candy cane grams to fellow students. This year KMS staff added penny wars and a Pie In The Face competition, where students and staff were able to vote for one of the principals to take a Pie In The Face on Dec. 21, the last day of school before break.
The KMS staff would like to thank the parents of the students for supporting the fundraising efforts and outside donors who provided a large portion of the money raised.
PHOTO: The Keokuk Middle School staff took students to meet with members of the Salvation Army at the Keokuk Walmart to shop for community children in need for the KMS Angel Tree Project. (Photo provided by KCSD).