By Megan Wehring
HAYS CISD — Opening presents tucked under the Christmas tree and eating a spread of a home-cooked meal may be in store for some families this holiday season — for others, it may be a little more barren. Hays CISD is hoping to help families in need by providing the Angel Tree program, a tradition that many look forward to every year.
Hays CISD coordinates an Angel Tree by pairing employees, local businesses, churches and other organizations with families in the district. This year particularly is a challenge for families who have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have families whose parents are unemployed or they are having a difficult time this year,” said Angie Mendez, community relations director. “A couple years ago, it was about the flood and this year it’s COVID. There will always be something that drives the need higher and higher every year.”
While the district provided gifts for more than 100 families last year, Mendez explained that the list continues to grow.
“We do have some households that have more than one family who is living in that household,” Mendez said.
“We also include siblings that are not in school yet and maybe a soon-to-be mom is included, but it’s mainly for the students.”
Those interested in adopting a student and their family can contact Mendez at [email protected] or call 512-268-2141. Gifts need to be wrapped and delivered to the campus counselor by Dec. 14.
