KALONA
At the end of last week, the staff at Sinclair Tractor in Kalona unboxed a brand-new Christmas tree for their front window display. Last year their “Giving Tree” became so laden with …
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KALONA
At the end of last week, the staff at Sinclair Tractor in Kalona unboxed a brand-new Christmas tree for their front window display. Last year their “Giving Tree” became so laden with mittens, hats, gloves, and scarves that it started to crumble under the community’s generosity. This year’s tree should be more robust.
From now until Dec. 15, consider stopping by Sinclair Tractor to help decorate the tree with cold-weather accessories. You need not be a customer nor make a purchase (although once you see their selection of John Deere-branded toys and apparel, you may be tempted to pick up a few holiday gifts). The hats and mittens you perch on the branches will be delivered to students at Mid-Prairie East and West Elementary schools before they head out for winter break.
Not every student at the local elementary schools is prepared for an Iowa winter, whose biting winds and below-zero temps demand keeping heads and hands covered for safety. School staff won’t allow underdressed students to go out for recess. Your gift of child-sized gloves and scarves is the gift of freedom and play.
Carrie Miller, administrative assistant at Sinclair Tractor, helps organize the “Giving Tree.” The staff at the schools who she coordinates with let her know just how much they need and appreciate the cold weather gear.
“You won’t believe how many times one of the kids has just one mitten,” they’ve told her.
Last year, Miller says, “we had a huge basket just full” to take to East Elementary in Kalona. It made such a difference that this year Sinclair Tractor aims to collect hats and mittens for West Elementary in Wellman as well; the gear decorating the tree will be divided between the two schools.
Unlike last year, Sinclair Tractor will not hold a food drive in conjunction with the winterwear collection in order to keep the focus on keeping students warm and protected this winter.
Miller, alongside location manager Hannah Hagen and the rest of the team at Sinclair Tractor, hope that you will help them decorate their new Christmas tree with hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves for local students through Dec. 15. Visit them at 1409 E Avenue, Kalona. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays; 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays.
