With the holidays just around the corner, the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce and Canton Area School District have already been hard at work on the preparations leading up to the annual program known as "The Giving Tree."
The Giving Tree program aims to provide a joyous Christmas to children in the district who might not otherwise be able to celebrate the season. The mission continues and is a project that everyone involved can be proud of.
Applications have already been distributed to families that the faculty and administration selected on a need-based process. Their close contact with families who may be facing unusual hardships through loss of employment, health problems, loss of a family member, etc. have streamlined the selection process.
"The cost of offering this type of assistance is ever increasing, as are the economic hardships of our area", stated Jodi Wesneski, Chamber president. "Our goal each year has been to spend approximately $100 per child and on average we are assisting 45 children".
"The program has continued to work smoothly since we began working with the school district and we could not continue without all of their hard work", she continues.
Matt Gordon, district superintendent, stated, "So far the outpouring of support has been wonderful! We have many individuals who have 'adopted' children and the district is gearing up for another great year of shopping and wrapping; it's a lot of hard work, but we enjoy helping and are always thrilled that we can be part of it".
Gordon also said, "We want to remind everyone, that although the faculty and students are involved in the process, it is completely anonymous and there are only a few key people on the committee that know the names of the applicants."
"Local organizations such as the Wheel Inn Softball Committee have already made generous donations and we cannot thank them enough" said Wesneski.
If families, businesses or clubs want to consider sponsoring a child or family for Christmas through the Giving Tree, please contact Peggy or Deanna at the school district administration office or the chamber.
Donations can be mailed to the CACC, PO Box 153 Canton, PA 17724. Please contact the Chamber at (570) 364-2600 or cantonareachamberofcommerce@yahoo.com with any questions.
Submitted by Jodi Wesneski
