Dozens of gifts overflow Chesterfield teacher’s classroom for Angel Tree Project
Dec 21, 2024
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A Manchester High School teacher's classroom in Chesterfield County was filled with dozens of gifts to be given to families connected to the school as part of the Angel Tree Project.
According to Chesterfield County Public Schools, for 20 years, Manchester High School math teacher Lauren Murray, as well as school students and staff, have participated in the school's Angel Tree Project which provides families connected to the school with gifts and food for the holidays.
Planning for the project starts in the fall, with teachers suggesting families who may be struggling. The school then reaches out to ask the families if they would like gifts for their children and food to restock their pantries.
Families provide information about their children's interests, clothing sizes and their wish list, and Manchester High's senior class, teachers, staff members and others pitch in to provide the gifts.
In pictures shared by the school district, Murray's classroom can be seen overflowing with gifts wrapped by volunteers.
Manchester High School teacher Lauren Murray's classroom filled with gifts for the school's Angel Tree Project. (Photo courtesy: Chesterfield County Public Schools)(Photo courtesy: Chesterfield County Public Schools)Food donated for Manchester High School's Angel Tree Project. (Photo courtesy: Chesterfield County Public Schools)(Photo courtesy: Chesterfield County Public Schools)
Chesterfield Schools said Manchester High's Angel Tree Project will help about 60 children in 27 families this year.
According to Chesterfield Schools, some of the most common Angel Tree gifts include bikes, Nintendo switches, iPads and basketballs. Some of the "unusual" gift requests across the years include a kayak, a mannequin head for practicing cosmetology and furnishings for an entire home.
According to the school district, every "Angel" will get a brand-new pair of shoes chosen especially for them with the help of a local business.
The program also surprises 100 Manchester High students each year with spirit stockings filled with candy, snacks and small treasures.
Chesterfield Schools said Murray is the driving force behind the Angel Tree Project at the school, however, she credits the entire school community for helping to make a difference for two decades.
Additionally, Chesterfield Schools said Murray is thankful that now-retired Principal Pete Koste supported her proposal for the project in 2004 and still helps out each year.