When you walk into Lambert High School, one of the first things you’ll notice is the Christmas tree that stands tall in the T. This tree is more than a decoration. It is the Holiday House Giving Tree put up by the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) in collaboration with The Place at Forsyth. Not only is this tree the perfect addition to brighten the moods of students as the holidays approach, but it is a great way to give back to the community.
Started by Lambert seniors Matthew Russo and Audrey Starrett, this new initiative invites students to pick a card from the tree each listing a gift request from a local child or teen in need. The requests on the cards come directly from The Place at Forsyth, which shared a list of common holiday wishes from families who may not otherwise receive gifts this season. Items range from simple necessities like socks to small toys, clothing, or gift cards. Once these items are bought, students can drop them off in room 1625.
“After people take the ornaments off the tree, they go and buy everything they need,” FCCLA Culinary Representative Audrey Starrett explained. “ Some people can choose to do a donation online too, because there’s a QR code around the school. That money goes to The Place. If one of the cards says the family requests money, you can bring cash or a check in an envelope and give it to Ms. Barley in 1625.”
With so many different ways to participate, the Giving Tree really gives the Lambert community a way to help out during the holidays. The response has already been extremely positive. According to FCCLA officers, cards have been picked faster than they can replace them, and the club has already had to restock the tree several times.
That enthusiasm is exactly what Russo and Starrett hoped for when they brought the idea to FCCLA. Russo first imagined starting a Giving Tree last year after seeing similar programs at Riverwatch Middle School and local elementary schools. When he noticed Lambert didn’t have one, he felt it was the right time to bring the tradition to high schools.
“I really wanted to do this because I am a big gift giver,” FCCLA Community Service Chair Matthew Russo explained. “We have … a wealthier school compared to others. And so I think it’s really good for our community to give back…especially during the holidays.”
As the project continues to gain momentum, FCCLA is preparing for the final stretch of the initiative. The Giving Tree will remain in the T until December 5, giving students time to return their gifts before they are delivered to The Place at Forsyth. Hopefully, the tradition continues to grow and becomes a staple, reminding Lambert of the impact that small acts of generosity can make during the holidays.
