LONGVIEW, Texas — Now that our Thanksgiving leftovers are gone, attention turns to Christmas. Pine Tree ISD is working hard to make sure every student has a gift under the tree, one t-shirt at a time. The district is fundraising money to buy less fortunate students gifts just in time for Christmas.
Pine Tree ISD Superintendent Steve Clugston loves everything about Christmas, from decorating his house to putting up the Christmas tree and even his wardrobe.
"I have more Christmas suits than regular suits," Clugston said. "Christmas is a time of year that you see people be a little nicer and kinder and more giving. I think that’s important for our kids to see."
Every Monday since October has been "Christmas Shirt Monday" to remind community members about the season of giving. That love of Christmas is on full display with Pine Tree ISD’s fundraiser. All the proceeds of the Christmas-themed t-shirts stay within the school district, so students in need can have a present underneath the Christmas tree.
"We use the proceeds from that to help pay for Christmas for our kids who may not be as fortunate, that may not have a Christmas (gift)," Clugston said.
Spearheading the program is Teresa Rau, administrative assistant to Clugston. She said they’re shopping for about 30 more students than the year before.
"In the past, we’ve probably had about 140 to 145," Rau said.
School counselors are in charge of selecting students based on factors like housing status or economic needs at home.
"I think a lot has to do with the economy that is going on. A lot of families can’t afford as much or hardly anything, especially our single-family households," said Jaclyn Watson, lead district counselor.
The district is going beyond just students in the classroom when it comes to giving this holiday season.
"Some of these kids may have a little brother that’s not in school yet and we want to make sure we get them taken care of as well," Clugston said.
For many parents, this program is a relief on Christmas morning.
"When the parents come and pick up the presents, they can be very emotional, and it’s a very moving program," Rau said.
As of Monday afternoon, the district had 95 shirts left for this season. They also have shirts from last year at a discounted price.
To order a shirt, click here or stop at the Pine Tree Administration Building, located at 1701 Pine Tree Rd. in Longview.