The Giving Tree is a long standing tradition at South, and this year you can help!

South students can participate in providing gift cards for families in need up until the 12th of December. This year there are 81 tags on the tree, and that means that there are 81 students who need additional aid. Kathy August, activities director at South, says, “Teachers [and] staff nominate students and this year we have 81 tags on the tree. Staff and students are encouraged to adopt a tag, purchase a $20 gift card, and return to the main office by” Dec. 12. On the tags are the student’s gender, grade and suggestions for the gift cards.

Due to her battle with breast cancer, the tree will be decorated with pink ornaments for Mrs. Miller this year. The tree is decorated with ribbons dedicated to loved ones that are facing various health issues. Each color represents a different health struggle;

Red – heart disease Gray – diabetes Pink – breast cancer Purple – Alzheimer’s Yellow – suicide awareness Orange – leukemia Blue – child abuse awareness Green – depression White – dating violence awareness

“Ribbons are available in the leadership office during both lunches” said August.

“The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein, is a children’s book about a boy and “female” tree who gives everything she has to the boy. She never ceases to give and it makes her happy-and that’s the point of South’s Giving Tree. To give back to the students of South Salem High School for the holidays. August claims that it, “is not a Christmas tree, but rather a tree that stands for love.”

If you can’t buy a gift card, there are other ways you can help the community. Salvation Army is looking for Bell ringers (go to the leadership office to sign up for two hour shifts from Dec 4 – 23). Key Club’s Fun drive is currently happening, so donate used clothes, new clothes, shoes, linens, toiletries, books and toys to the barrels in the Main Lobby of South. You can also bring in new or nice stuffed animals for the Salvation Army and Salem Police Department toy drive; bring in the animals to our Dec. 15 assembly to participate in the first annual “Teddy Bear Toss” (Visit Mrs. August to answer any questions). Interested in helping the homeless? “Donate blankets, hats, gloves, hand warmers [and] water bottles in the barrels in the upper commons” says August.