Helping families in need is a tradition Towamensing Elementary School takes seriously.

For as long as the school's staff can remember, students have brought in items during December for a "Giving Tree."Shortly before Christmas break, the gifts are given to certain families in the district who could benefit from them."It's sponsored by student council and they really get excited about it," said Jodi Kocher, Towamensing guidance counselor. "We had an 'Ugly Sweater' spirit day to help kick things off."This year, students collected around 200 gifts including toys, books, gloves, hats and more.Items that are not picked up by the receiving families are donated to the Blue Ridge Toy and Food Drive, organized by Nick Hawkey.Fifth grade student council members Jackson Stein, Trace Stahler and Cody Walkowiak all said Wednesday they participated in the Giving Tree program to help others."It's exciting and I'm happy to be a part of it," said Stahler, who brought in a crayon kit. "It makes you feel merry."Walkowiak, meanwhile, contributed puzzles and activity books."You really feel good on the inside for helping out," he said.While student council sponsors many activities throughout the year, the Giving Tree is easily one of its most successful."It's pretty popular because we have a lot of generous families and students here at Towamensing," Kocher said.