Student 2 Student (S2S) members who helped with the Christmas Giving Tree at Liberty Middle School include sponsor Benita Tunstill, from left, Emily Mefford, Isabel Korty, Randi Greene, faculty member Janette Courtney and Sarah Kate Woosley. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – The Christmas Giving Tree will give gifts to 13 students at Liberty Middle School.

The Student 2 Student (S2S) organization spearheaded the collection of donations.

S2S helps Liberty students transition into middle school or onto their new campus. The group “establishes peer relationships so students may gain a greater confidence, enhance their comfort level and increase their well being as they adjust to new experiences,” sponsor and school nurse Benita Tunstill said.

S2S saw the Liberty Giving Tree as an outstanding way to reciprocate to the community.

Liberty Assistant Principal Dr. Kary Roberts said students could denote any amount — a quarter up to $100 or more. S2S didn’t want to give donated items and possibly embarrass a student about wearing or using a donated item. They kept all recipient names confidential.

Teachers were asked to discuss the importance of the giving tree and the fulfillment of helping others. “Most parents try to teach their kids there are people less fortunate. Liberty students and their parents are very supportive of people in our community,” Tunstill said.

Organizers used all collections to buy Christmas gifts for 13 Liberty students less fortunate than their peers. These students and their parents completed a wish list for gifts and clothing. Students did not receive cash.

“Our goal is $1300, but we’d love to have $2600,” Tunstill said. “$1300 will allow $100 for each student.”

S2S members Randi Greene and Sophia Malone both donated to the Liberty Giving Tree. “They agreed that helping someone in need means a lot. They believe no one should be sad at Christmas,” Tunstill said.

Along with Greene and Malone, S2S members Kyle Smith, Isabel Korty, Sarah Kate Woosley, Rebecca Brooks and Victoria Kent volunteered during their lunchtime to accept donations from students and Liberty faculty members.

The project was shown Liberty students that people in their community are struggling. “It could easily be their family that’s in a hardship,” Tunstill said.