Kirkwood students and staff flock to the aid of Tanager Place youth with “amazing” gift support
In late November the call went out across the campus of Kirkwood Community College. It was familiar to many, as it was the same theme as in past years:
“Please take an Angel Tree tag. Purchase a gift for the child, and bring it back to us.”
This year, the gifts came back. And kept coming, then more showed up. By the time for delivering the donations back to Tanager Place, Kirkwood’s Student Life office needed a rental truck to get the job done.
Student Life Director Seth Vander Tuig said his department was “blown away with the generosity” exhibited by the college community in supporting the annual drive.
“This is truly great. The toys, games and gifts nearly filled our conference room to overflowing! We have been impressed with the generosity around campus over the years, but the last month has been truly amazing,” he said.
That sentiment is echoed by Tanager Place Community Relations Specialist Lezlie John. “Working with Kirkwood is the highlight of my holiday season. This year was a banner one for the Kirkwood drive. They filled 440 tags to support our Angel Tree program. This is the most tags any company or group has ever filled in one season for us. I commend the Kirkwood Community College team for putting smiles on so many of our children’s faces this season,” John said.
Mary Huffman of Kirkwood’s Student Life office said the response came from individuals, office pools and student clubs at all levels. “We give a big thanks to the Kirkwood Equestrian Club, as one great example. They have helped us before, but this December they decided to make it a bigger project. They ended up supporting the Tanager kids with about $900 worth of gifts. That’s one of so many wonderful gestures to make this all work,” Huffman added.
Kirkwood has participated in the Angel Tree program since 1997. Lezlie John says the Kirkwood drive has “increased a little each year” until this month’s influx.
“The first year out, Kirkwood people filled 110 tags. This year is amazing. Tanager Place is truly grateful for the generosity and support at this time,” she added.
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Tanager Place has been committed to helping Iowa’s most vulnerable children for more than 130 years. It began in 1879, and today continues the mission of improving lives of children in need.
More information on Tanager Place is available at the organization website: