The spirit of giving is alive and well at Towamensing Elementary this and every holiday season.

Last week, the school kicked off its annual “Giving Tree” program, during which students can bring in new, unwrapped gifts, which are then donated to kids around the community.

“We’ve been doing this at the school as long as I can remember,” said Stacey Olewine, student council co-adviser. “The gifts first go to families within the school, and whatever is left we give to local charities, which disperse them from there. The generosity of our students is always very impressive.”

By Friday, which was also a “Spirit Day” at Towamensing when students could wear flannel, gifts were piling up under the tree.

“It feels great to give to other people,” said student council member Brooke Rutkowitz. “These gifts are going to make some people very happy and that makes us happy as students.”

Items under the tree ranged from stuffed animals to games like Connect 4 and Candy Land to science kits and other toys.

Of note was a large stuffed unicorn easily seen among the other gifts.

“It’s amazing to see how many people brought stuff in,” said student council member Blake Mininger. “I think it shows how much the students here care about others.”

Students who bring in gifts get to sign their name on a paper ornament, which will be displayed on one of several trees to eventually be located outside the Towamensing office.

While student council sponsors many activities throughout the year, the Giving Tree is easily one of its most successful.

“Giving is more important than receiving and I think that is the lesson everyone is learning this week,” said student council member Hadlee Lake. “People could easily keep this stuff for themselves, but instead they are giving to others who don’t have as much.”