SALINEVILLE – Southern Local Schools are supporting its own this holiday with the annual Giving Tree project.

Teacher Jessica Coleman is organizing the project and said more than 80 elementary- to high school-aged children will have a brighter Christmas. Coleman added that the number was slightly lower than last year, but generous faculty and staff members “adopt” and shop for the youth, whose wish lists range from clothes and shoes to toys. The presents are to be returned by Dec. 12 for distribution.

“We put out every year for families to sign up if they are in need and they submit the children’s ages, sizes and interests,” she said. “My Lifeskills class wraps the presents and the parents pick them up.”

Coleman prepared the list and said her goal was to match the youths with a donor. She added that some generous benefactors have also donated money to shop for the children and contributions are being sought. For more information or to help with the Giving Tree project, email Coleman at Jessica.coleman@slindians.org.