Rainbow’s ‘Giving Snowman’ assists students in need with essentials, gifts

MADISON – The Christmas season will offer more cheer and some hope to students in need because of the “Giving Snowman” initiative at Rainbow Elementary School.

“While the holidays are a time of joy for many of us, there are those in our community for whom it looks very different and who could use some assistance in making their season bright,” Kim Newberry said. Newberry, Vice President of Programs with Rainbow PTA, and School Counselor Alicia Sullivan-Smith are coordinating the Giving Snowman project.

“This (effort) is just a small thing our school can do to help these kids and families during a time that can be particularly difficult,” Newberry said.

The Giving Snowman was inspired by The Angel Tree program that the Salvation Army runs each holiday season. “Ashley Lang, who was a PTA board member at that time, ran the first Giving Snowman in 2018. The PTA has continued this tradition since that time,” Newberry said. “This is our seventh year of providing gifts and necessities to families at our school during the holidays.”

The student families’ wish list covers the gamut from groceries and underwear to “a toy” and shoes.

If any residents want to help, the Giving Snowman can always use donations of gift cards to Walmart or Target that the families could use for groceries or other essentials. “We use these to cover any unmet needs that our families might have. Our deadline for donation collection is Friday, Dec. 6,” Newberry said.

“Our wonderful school counselor, Mrs. Alicia Sullivan-Smith, identifies families who could use assistance and invites them to participate. She then communicates with the parents or guardians to collect a list of the children’s wants and needs,” Newberry said.

“We’re very happy to do this for all the children in the family — not just the Rainbow student,” Newberry said. “After Mrs. Sullivan-Smith gives us a list of needs, the PTA then coordinates the collection of donations from our school community, who have generously supported this program every year and without whom this program would be impossible.”

PTA members will wrap and organize all the gifts and then deliver the items to Rainbow’s school counselor, who coordinates pickup with the families.

Individuals also can ship gifts directly to the school at this address: Giving Snowman, c/o RES PTA, 50 Nance Road, Madison AL 35758. All unwrapped gifts are due in Rainbow’s front office by Dec. 6.

The 2024-2025 Rainbow PTA board members are Erin Howell, President; Sarah Yaw, Secretary; Amanda Terry, Treasurer; Kim Lancaster, Vice President of Membership; Kim Newberry, Vice President of Programs; Holly Curtsinger, Vice President of Volunteers; and Lauren Hooper, Vice President of Fundraising.

“Together, we can bring joy to families in our community this holiday season,” Newberry said. “Thank you for supporting this meaningful program.”

For questions, email programs@rainbowpta.com, or visit rainbowpta.COM.