Keokuk Middle School students, staff and community members exceeded expectations and raised $2,207 to purchase gifts for 44 children in need this holiday season from the annual KMS Angel Tree.
On Dec. 9, 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.
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 families. Each year around 20 students are nominated and selected by staff members to assist in shopping for the gifts at Walmart in Keokuk.
KMS students had incentive days where they could bring a dollar to participate in a hat day, purchase a napkin/donut, get tech time, and send candy cane grams to fellow students to raise money for the tree. This is the second year that there was also a Pie In The Face competition, where students and staff were able to pay one dollar per vote for a staff member to take a pie in the face on Dec. 20, which is 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 also contributed to the fundraiser.
