40 to benefit from Star Tree

Every year, one Perry tradition that inspires the gift of giving is the DHS Star Tree.

Perry Upper Elementary Student Council annually sponsors the tree, with teacher sponsor Caprecia Betchan. This is the 12th year for this program.

Upper elementary Student Council is made of 4th, 5th and 6th graders. The stars placed on the tree are the wants and

The stars placed on the tree are the wants and needs for children who are currently in foster care through Noble County.

The program started when DHS requested assistance providing Christmas for their children in foster care, and after some discussion, this ‘...seemed like a great way to help out!’

This year the school had approximately 40 children on their Star Tree, though in years past they have had close to 100, according to Betchan.

Betchan said, “Each child gets four wishes and then four needs, so they receive a total of at least eight gifts. We do our best to get their wishes and then they will all get a new coat, shoes, shirts and pants.”

These wishes on the tree are fulfilled each year with the help of students and families, as well as lots of tremendous help from the community.

Perry Upper Elementary Student Council Star Tree ‘stars’ (needs and wishes) can be found at the Upper Elementary and at the Noble County Family YMCA.

Residents are invited to stop by and/or reach out to either location to select one or more stars, shop, and return the gifts to The Y or the school by Friday, Dec. 10.

Once deadline has passed, sponsors will review what gifts are further needed and shop for them.

All gifts will be wrapped on Wednesday, Dec 15.

Gifts will be delivered to the Perry Assembly of God church on Thursday, Dec 16 for the DHS caseworkers to then pick up and deliver to the children before Christmas.

If you have any questions, or would like participate in this gift-giving event, please contact the Perry Upper Elementary School or the front desk or the YMCA.