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Central's Gifts for Families initiative helps those in need

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Central staff members Meghan Bergan, Katie Belser, Heather Lechtenberg, Stephanie Burke and Mackenzie Curtis display some of the gifts donated through the Gifts for Families program.

By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register

 

Generosity and the willingness to help others is what drives Central’s Gifts for Families program, a holiday gift program started by Central staff members over five years ago. It highlights what program leader and school social worker Heather Lechtenberg described as the “generous and giving area” of Elkader.

 

The program involves giving Christmas gifts anonymously to students and families in need, and, currently, there are 30 staff members and two community members involved. 

 

Lechtenberg sends referral forms to staff members to nominate families they believe would benefit from the program each school year and then contacts that family to see if they would be willing to participate. From there, she gathers a list of needs and wants from the families, which is then sent to staff members who can either sponsor one item or an entire student. Lechtenberg noted some staff members donate cash, which can be used by the families to purchase additional items. 

 

For Lechtenberg, programs like this are important for several reasons, but a vital one is that they build and strengthen relationships with the families in the community, especially the ones who might need some additional support. It lets them know someone cares and they have somewhere to turn. 

 

“Helping these families during a time of joy will hopefully strengthen their connection to the school so they are willing to ask for help during times of distress as well,” Lechtenberg said. 

 

This year, the program will help 13 local families and a total of 34 students. While the number of gifts is unknown, Lechtenberg stated, “basically all the needs/wants were fulfilled this year.”

 

Staff typically focus on getting students things they need, such as critical winter weather gear like snow boots, gloves and clothing, as well as hygiene items. But they also try to provide the list of wants, in an effort to “make their Christmas more enjoyable,” as Lechtenberg put it. 

 

On the list of wants this year were items like Barbies, remote control vehicles, craft and art supplies, leaning games, and Legos. Along with that, wrapping paper, books and gift bags are also donated. 

 

And this year, for the first time, the program moved beyond just staff, as community members reached out to get involved. This is something Lechtenberg wants to see grow, and has plans next year to allow more time for community members who are interested. 

 

“We live in such a generous and giving area. Many community members are willing to step up and help out our amazing students. They just need to know how to get involved,” she said. 

 

According to Central Principal Aaron Reinhart, the season of giving not only helps others, but can also help you. 

 

“Health researchers have found ‘giving behavior’ to improve one’s health. Your brain releases chemicals that lower stress, improve your ability to trust and influence your overall mental health positively. Lower stress is associated with lower blood pressure and longer life expectancy,” he said. “My advice would be this: go find someone who needs your help and improve your life by improving theirs.”

 

As for concerns over the anonymity of the program, something that can prevent families from participating, according to Lechtenberg, she is the only person who has access to the participant names. The only thing staff or community members know is what is included on the list of needs and wants. This anonymity also extends to staff member donations, creating the ultimate Secret Santa during the holiday season. 

 

This year, gifts were donated by Dec. 13, and will be distributed by Friday, Dec. 17, after Lechtenberg arranges for pick-up or delivery with each family. 

 

When it comes to the season of giving, Reinhart spoke about a recent conversation he had and the importance of the school when it comes to matters such as this. 

 

“The school is a vital part of any community. It provides education for the youth, but also provides a gathering place and an opportunity to support one another. Providing clothes or toys to students who may otherwise go without is a way for us to provide needed support,” he said. “A child’s development depends so heavily on having love and safety in their life, and educators will go to great lengths to help children in need. I had a conversation with someone recently who was reflecting on ‘the holiday spirit’ and how their definition of this is closely tied to the experiences they had as children. By taking a moment to give to others, we are planting seeds of giving that will grow and produce more seeds in the future.”

 

As the season of giving continues, Central is taking the lead in supporting the community. The staff initiative known as Gifts for Families is just another positive example of that, and it’s been well received.

 

“Every single family is extremely gracious and thankful. This can be a very stressful time for families who want to give to their kids but lack the financial stability to do so. Offering this program hopefully helps alleviate some of that stress and allows families to focus on spending time together,” Lechtenberg said.

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