The Portage School System had a wonderful idea and made it a reality for 700 kids. Because of the combined efforts of community members and School Advisors.
“We love our kids and want them to have a wonderful holiday. Our team really wanted to make sure these kids would all have presents on Christmas morning,” Nicole Sliger, Home School Advisor stated.
The School Advisors, a combination of a school counselors and social workers, are responsible for organizing community resources. They are who help to provide presents for needy children and families. Some resources have included a shopping trip with Valparaiso attorney Ken Allen, Cops for Kids, which is a shopping trip organized by the Portage Fraternal Order of Police, the Angel Tree at Bass Pro Shop, contributions by local churches, and Portage teachers and staff who "adopt" kids for Christmas.
The school advisors connect these resources to families in need, and spend countless hours contacting families, wrapping, organizing pick ups, and sometimes delivering gifts- making sure every student has something to open on Christmas morning. Kristina Urban, School Advisor and Kim Milner, School Counselor - both of Fegely Middle School are pictured wrapping presents for the children who will have Santa coming to their homes this year.