Annual ‘Christmas from the Heart’ drive receives major funding boost
by Beth Kraft
Debbie Wright has donated her time and efforts to make Christmas a bit brighter for area families in need for the past 12 years. Last week the Eleva Elementary secretary, often referred to as the school’s “angel in disguise,” and her holiday giving program received an extra boost of Christmas spirit in the form of $3,000 to help cover expenses.
During a brief assembly held Monday, Dec. 1, the Eleva school and its “Christmas from the Heart” program were announced as the newest winner of the “Schools Rule!” contest by reps from Gordy’s County Market and WEAU 13 News.
“I can’t thank everybody enough, this is awesome!” commented Wright of her program being tabbed for the monetary honor. “It really warms your heart to know that kids are going to have things for Christmas.”
Wright shared that she was just pondering how to make the funds she had on hand stretch far enough to cover the 28 families she needs to purchase items for this year. Then the news of the “Schools Rule!” award reached her ears.
“It was a nice surprise,” she said. “You’re helping kids that wouldn’t get anything otherwise.”
Each year Wright organizes the drive, wraps gifts and makes sure the items reach the families before Christmas.
Area churches and the Eleva-Strum Area Lions Club all donate funds to assist “Christmas from the Heart.” The heart-shaped tags from Wright’s tree are picked up by members of the community and E-S staff who then shop for presents and other needed items.
Wright later learned that funds from the recent donation actually won’t be available until April, meaning they can’t help cover program expenses for this Christmas. However, Wright said she was still very appreciative of the honor, noting it’s the biggest boost the program has ever received.
At the same time, “Christmas from the Heart” will still need help from area community to meet the needs of the nearly 30 local families who have fallen on hard times this year.
All of the children on Wright’s list receive Christmas gifts and winter gear like coats, boots, snow pants, hats and mittens. Each family also receives a box of food for Christmas dinner with ham and all the trimmings.
The funds received by Eleva Intermediate and three other Chippewa Valley-area schools so far through the “Schools Rule!” campaign are made possible by the Box Tops for Education program, courtesy of General Mills.
To nominate your school to be considered for the next “Schools Rule!” award, visit weau.com and click on the “contests” link.