Skagit Valley College (SVC) recognizes the 26th anniversary of its Giving Tree program, which has provided gifts to 3,215 children who otherwise may not receive gifts during the holiday season. The program continues through contributions from SVC employees, benefiting children and families in the community.
The program primarily supports families enrolled in SVC’s Head Start Centers, including the Child and Family Learning Center, Sue Krienen Early Learning and Childcare Center, Jefferson Elementary, Washington Elementary, Burlington Early Learning Center, Westview Elementary, and Sedro-Woolley. Plans are in motion to expand the program to Oak Harbor locations next year.
Employees participate by selecting a child from the Giving Tree and purchasing gifts directly or making monetary donations. Head Start is a low-income preschool program, so requests often include basic necessities including warm clothing, winter coats, and shoes.
The Giving Tree Team includes SVC employees Phyllis Barry, Kathy Eldred, Tanna Baker, Julie Farmer, Susan Deschenes, and Nancy Anderson. The program continues to be inspired by its founders, SVC employees Kathy Nansel and Lisa Radeleff, who nurtured the tradition for its first 24 years.
“Longtime SVC employees Lisa Radeleff and Kathy Nansel founded the Giving Tree project 26 years ago to support Head Start children in need,” said Anderson. “Thanks to the ongoing generosity of college employees, it remains a cherished holiday tradition. We are grateful to Julie and the team for keeping it alive.”
For more details on how to support the SVC Giving Tree or learn more about the program’s impact, contact Tanna Baker at tanna.baker@skagit.edu for more information.
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