Photo submitted to Times Observer Cathy Wolf, Tiffany Lester, and Patty Hawley organize Kids In Need Fund Angel Tree items to be given to more than 100 Warren County children this Christmas.

More than 100 children throughout Warren County will have a better Christmas this year thanks to the Kids In Need Fund Angel Tree.

“The Warren County School District and the Community Foundation of Warren County joined forces to organize the fifth annual Kids In Need (KIN) Fund Angel Tree,” district Director of Pupil Services Dr. Patricia Hawley said. “The KIN Fund Angel Tree provides a wonderful service to our community by providing children and parents with holiday wishes — such as clothing, pillows, blankets, sheets, toys, shoes, boots, socks, personal hygiene, and other items referred throughout our process.”

In November, Hawley’s office accepted referrals for families from counselors, teachers, and staff.

“After the referral period ends, WCSD employees are given the opportunity to sponsor a KIN Angel Tree tag before the KIN Fund purchases gifts on each Angel Tree tag,” Hawley said. “The KIN Angel Tree has grown over the years to the point that community members and businesses also participate in the community initiative.”

“Angel Tree sponsors purchase multiple Christmas gifts for each Angel Tree tag and wrap the presents,” she said.

Then, they either take those items to the central office or get them to the district’s school social workers, Jon Livengood and Erica Bailey.

“Angel Tree donations are then organized so parents can pick up at the WCSD Central Office,” Hawley said. “The WCSD Social School workers deliver to those families in need of a travel accommodation.”

“This year our school community joined hands and sponsored 86 of the 108 KIN Fund Angel Tree tags,” Hawley said. “The KIN Fund supported 22 Angel Tree tags.”

“In a year, amidst a global pandemic, when so many holiday traditions will not occur, the KIN Fund and the Warren County School District share our overwhelming gratitude to sponsors and the Community Foundation of Warren County for their support,” she said. “Since 2015, thanks to the Community Foundation of Warren County, the KIN Fund has provided support to 644 people in our county. It is our hope to spread a little joy, cheer, and relief this holiday season.”