Kimball gifting program spreads holiday cheer to community
KIMBALL -- A Kimball resident is aiming to help families provide a magical Christmas for their children by organizing a gifting program.
Shavonne Singleton with Farm Bureau Financial Services had the idea to start a program similar to Secret Santa because that was a tradition that her parents instilled in her.
“Growing up, that’s how I was raised,” she said. “My parents would play Secret Santa during the holidays ... They started a good tradition of giving.”
Similar to a Secret Santa, the Kimball Christmas Angel Tree Program will allow families in need to apply to receive gifts for their children from a sponsor.
When Singleton first searched for a way to give to people in need, she asked around about a giving program and when she found there wasn’t one, she decided to make it happen herself. She spoke with local businesses about becoming sponsors for the program and set it up from there. Along with the sponsors she has found, any community member can be a sponsor.
Families in need will fill out an application either by emailing [email protected] or picking one up in person at the Farm Bureau office in Kimball. Families will need to provide details like the child's age (must be 18 years old or younger), gender, clothing sizes, and their Christmas wish.
Applications must be dropped off to the Farm Bureau office by Dec. 16.
Sponsors will need to stop by the Farm Bureau office to select a child (or children) based on your budget. Then, shop for their wish list, wrap the gifts, and return them to the office by Dec. 23.
The Farm Bureau will coordinate pickup or delivery with the families so that all applications and sponsors will be kept confidential.
“Together, we’ll create unforgettable holiday memories for families in our community,” Singleton said.