Peterson fifth-graders uphold holiday giving tradition

The Daily Inter Lake

Five years ago, Kelli Kyger's fifth-graders decided against having a class Christmas party.

Instead, the Peterson Elementary students chose another option, one that would bring joy to others instead of to themselves. They brought in gifts for the Salvation Army Angel Tree and the Humane Society of Northwest Montana's pet tree.

Since that first year, bringing gifts for those less fortunate, be they two- or four-legged, has become a holiday tradition in Kyger's class. This year, all three Peterson fifth-grade classrooms brought gifts for the two trees.

"It's worked out really great," Kyger said. "Instead of a classroom gift exchange and [possible] hurt feelings, this is a win-win."

Students especially enjoy buying gifts for the pet tree, she said; they bring in toys and treats for dogs and cats. Others bring in hats and toys for young children, sometimes giving generously even if they can't afford to buy something new.

"Sometimes they will wrap up toys of their own," Kyger said. "Still I let them donate it, and the Salvation Army ladies always say thank you."

Unless the weather is a little too frightful, the students always walk from the school to Kalispell Center Mall to drop off their donations. They braved the snow Thursday to bring their presents to the mall.

The students love giving their gifts, Kyger said.

"They're always really excited to do it," she said. "It's an awesome opportunity for them to make a difference at a young age."