FFA Angel Tree Pays It Forward
For 15 years, McDonald County Angel Tree has been committed to helping people in times of need. This year in McDonald County alone, 544 young people took part in the program that helps those in need during the Christmas season and many groups, and teachers, at McDonald County High School, stepped up in a big way to help those who need it the most.
The McDonald County FFA Chapter collected enough new clothes and toys to help 30 young people have a few more presents under the tree this year. FFA Advisors Emily Hutton, Rob Hall and Shawn McAlister helped in collecting donated items from students that sponsored a young person. Items such as jeans, shoes, hoodies, socks and coats that are needed by each of the recipients were complimented nicely by the various toys and bikes the FFA members donated as well. A few FFA members took the initiative to sponsor a young person themselves, while others joined in on the effort with classmates.
For Advisor Shawn McAlister, this was his first year to be a part of Angel Tree through the FFA and he was very impressed with the overwhelming donations that the students brought in. “My classes really dove in headfirst to help others in our community. After talking to them about Angel Tree and its purpose, they sponsored 19 young people. They really embraced the spirit of giving and helping others have a better Christmas. It was incredibly humbling to see how willing and eager our FFA members were to help the McDonald County community. I could not be more proud of how they stepped up this Holiday season.”
The McDonald County FFA has been a committed supporter of Angel Tree since its inception. Before Angel Tree was introduced to McDonald County, the FFA helped with the Noel Head Start during the holiday season. It is safe to say the McDonald County FFA Chapter has been helping others locally for a number of years.
Bev and Jess Goff have been instrumental in making sure Angel Tree will be helping young Mustangs for years to come. After being committed to this labor of love since its beginnings, the Goff family will be moving to Florida after their daughter, Lauren, graduates from MCHS. The number of people that have been impacted by their selfless loyalty to our community is hard to imagine. Angel Tree continues to grow and help others realize the spirit of Christmas and will relentlessly move forward with a commitment to help others.
Leslie Kasischke, and her husband Kotter, along with others at New Life Church are working to fill the imprint the Goff family will leave behind. Leslie will be the first to admit that those are some big shoes to fill. The kids at the High School fondly know Leslie as Mrs. K and many may not realize how devoted she is to others in our community through Angel Tree. Mrs. K, when asked how Angel Tree has impacted her personally responded easily without skipping a beat. “I grew up in a house with parents that were very young and struggled. Christmas was always a big deal though. I love being able to do that same thing for families in McDonald County. The biggest impact that I have seen though is with my kiddos. They have given their own money, they work and are willing to give up their own Christmas for us to add to Angel Tree. It does a Momma’s heart good! I think Angel Tree forces you to think about someone else’s needs. It isn’t about how much you do, but what you can do. I love that there are people that sign up as an Angel Tree sponsor and then also cook for those in the community on pick-up night, or help in some other way with Angel Tree. It is a very pay-it-forward feeling.”
Rob Hall and Emily Hutton are the driving force behind the FFA and their involvement in Angel Tree. Mr. Hall, and his wife Lisa, having raised two young ladies of their own in McDonald County and fully realize the needs that others have around our community. They have touched many young people’s lives and do all they can to instill the “pay-it-forward” mentality in our FFA members. Mrs. Hutton, and her husband Neal, both teachers at the high school, get to see first hand how there are students that have basic needs that can’t be met without assistance from programs such as Angel Tree.
Madison Mitchell, McDonald County FFA Chapter President, feels Angel Tree brings a light into children’s lives that could possibly be missing. The Mitchell Family has humbly participated in the program for many years and enjoys helping others in our community. “It is an activity that allows the entire Chapter to come together for a common cause,” said Miss Mitchell. Bailey McAlister, Chapter Reporter, expressed the same sentiment for the program as Madison. “It helps members of our chapter find happiness in themselves by helping create happiness for others.”