The Giving Tree – An SJA Tradition
Every fall, just after we’ve changed our clocks and the afternoons are suddenly darker, a collection of white pieces of paper brightens the message board in the Ranger Hall breezeway. Each slip of paper has a person’s age and what they would like for the holidays. Some notes ask for toys, warm clothes, or gift cards while others might ask for books and cozy socks. The limit is $25, and the papers are gone almost as quickly as they arrive. For many, it is an annual tradition, and the email from Denise Scavitto, social studies teacher and organizer of the event, is expected and welcomed.
For Betsy Legendre, the event has become a special part of the holidays. “My family and I find so much joy in picking out gifts, knowing that we are bringing a smile to someone’s face during the holiday season. It is a good reminder of the importance of giving back and has become one of our most favorite holiday traditions,” she said.
When asked about this annual holiday tradition, Denise shares that “for over 20 years, St. Johnsbury Academy has helped with the Kingdom Community Services Christmas Co-Op Program through our Giving Tree drive. Local agencies collect the names and wish lists of people in the community; this info is put on gift tags for other people in the community to purchase. Each year, the Academy community fulfills 100 gift requests and passes on any extra money and items collected to the Santa Fund.” In any given year, the requests will come from community members between the ages of two and 82, although there were several requests for children under one this year.
She continues, “One of the things that resonates so much with our faculty and staff is the requests for the everyday things – new towels, tea, or some sort of treat. Sometimes people ask for things for their pets. What I love about this project is not only that we can fulfill so many wishes, but also that people go above and beyond– a woman that requested tea, for example, was gifted not only a variety of teas but some cookies and a new mug. If someone asks for gloves, people often buy a hat and scarf to go with it. A simple request like slippers is sometime accompanied by a nice throw blanket. I think people supporting the project think about what it might be like during the holidays to be away from family and try to provide thoughtful gifts for people they will never know.”
Julie Gist ‘02, whose daughters Malie ’27 and Aliah ’26 Hale have been helping since 2020, adds more insight into the program and how it serves the community. “It began in the 1980s through the Outreach Program at Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA). In 1999, Ramona Letourneau (aka Angel) started working on the program through her employment at NEKCA. When she moved on to other employment, the program moved with her, and Kingdom Community Services (KCS) became the sponsor and Angel continued to be the coordinator. Many other community members from various organizations have also helped with the program over the years. In 2019, Angel, who is my aunt, decided to pass the torch to me and the girls, but she is still a huge part of the program. To this day, the program remains an integral part of the St Johnsbury community.
“What’s unique about our program is that we serve those who do not receive gifts from other programs like the wonderful Santa Fund. Currently, we work with the NEK Council on Aging, Arlington and Cornerstone Schools, the Department of Children and Families, and Northern Counties Health Care. We serve the elderly, teenagers, youth, and babies. Some have disabilities, and others just don’t have families around, and they benefit from the extra support. In an average year, we serve about 250 individuals.
“How it works: People are chosen from specific agencies, and their names and wishes are put on tags that are given to local churches and St. Johnsbury Academy. Items are purchased and brought to a location where the coordinators track and sort them, and then they are brought to the agencies to disperse.
“The program’s most significant benefit is the joy it brings to everyone involved. From the initial referral and tag selection to the moment the gift is received, it fosters a sense of happiness. I find it particularly fulfilling to review the gifts and imagine the giver’s intentions and the recipient’s delight, which captures the true meaning of Christmas. For me, this is the heart of the holiday season: making a conscious effort to bring joy to others.
The program involves several holiday-themed takeaways for Malie and Aliah because the program makes the holidays special. Malie says, “The program means participating in a good cause. I am thankful to the community and participating organizations. My favorite part is sorting the gifts.” For Aliah, “It feels good to help others in need. It’s fun to coordinate everything and to see the joy it brings.”
Headmaster Dr. Sharon Howell adds, “Seeing Denise’s note about the Giving Tree program every year is like a reminder of everything that is healthy and kind about the St. Johnsbury community and the Academy’s place in it. We are so fortunate to have access to organized ways to “love those most who need it most”—the Academy motto that resonates particularly around the holidays—since the value of lifting up those in need and offering joy freely is just what we want our students to learn.”
To learn more about the program and other ways in which they serve the community, visit their website: https://kingdomcommunityservices-stj.org/programs/
Caption: Sisters Malie ’27 and Aliah ’26 Hale take a break from carrying packages collected by the SJA community as part of the Giving Tree project.
