SUMITON — The staff at Sumiton Middle School have once again come together to provide Christmas gifts to students in need. This annual tradition, which has been going on for at least a decade, has grown significantly over time.
“We have been very blessed and lucky living in this community,” said Ashleigh Lockhart, a counselor at the school. “People reach out and want to help. Our teachers sponsor children every year, similar to an angel tree program.”
The program at Sumiton Middle School does not use a physical tree. Instead, they send home permission forms to parents who have expressed a need for assistance. The forms do not include any identifying information about the students, but rather specify the child’s gender, age, and their wants and needs.
“We have been very blessed, and it has grown to serve over 40 children every year,” said Rachel Earnest, an office staff member. “We always have people willing to help, even at the last minute.”
Sumiton Middle School has a student population of around 500, and the program primarily focuses on older students who may not be covered by other local initiatives, such as Toys for Tots.
“We noticed there were 13-14 year olds and even some 15 year olds in our building who were missing out,” Lockhart said. “So we decided to start this program to bridge the gap for older siblings.”
This year, the high school has also joined in the effort to support siblings of Sumiton Middle School students. The school counselor and staff members have worked together to ensure that these students are not left out, even arranging for presents to be delivered to Sumiton Middle School for easier pickup by parents.
The impact of this program is evident in the gratitude expressed by parents who receive assistance.
“We had one parent who recently moved to our area and was apprehensive about the school system,” said Trish Key, a staff member. “But she said that Sumiton Middle School has been a breath of fresh air. She was so appreciative of the help provided for Christmas.”
Living in Walker County, the staff at Sumiton Middle School witness many hardships faced by families in the community. Being able to bring joy to these families during the holiday season is a rewarding experience for the staff.
“When the parents come in and express their gratitude, it makes it all worth it,” Earnest said. “And seeing the kids come back after Christmas wearing the gifts we know they received, it truly blesses us.”
The program at Sumiton Middle School is a collaborative effort involving several churches, families, and teachers. The exact number of individuals involved is difficult to determine, but it is estimated that at least three or four churches participate, along with multiple families and teachers.
“It’s not just about the school, it’s about the entire community coming together,” Lockhart said. “Word gets out about what we do, and people want to help. It’s heartwarming to see the community spirit in action.”
The staff at Sumiton Middle School is grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of their students.
