LISD will host the 18th annual  Adopt An Angel event, a program to provide over 2,400 students with gifts this holiday season. Participants are invited to adopt angles from Nov. 10-30. Contributions can be made to the program by purchasing gifts for a specific student, or by donating any monetary value; the drop off location for all donations is the Next Steps Center in Lewisville between Dec. 1-9. 

“The process to nominate kids happens in two different ways,” counselor Stacey Lovett said. “Reaching out to our faculty who know our students, maybe students have shared individual stories and the economic situation at home with them, is one way. An email is sent out to the staff and they can nominate any student that they feel is in need. The other way is we have parents reach out to the counselors to let us know what the situation is within their family, and from there if they express the need and they have a desire to participate in the program, we can certainly help them as well.”

The program started in 2002 at Lewisville High School as an effort to directly provide children and students with gifts through the holiday season. Since then, the program has been extended to all schools in the district, where any child from newborn to 19-years-old is able to receive gifts. 

“I’m proud Lewisville High School has continued this campaign and even more excited it is open to all of Lewisville ISD,” LHS Student Activities Director Allison Stamey said on the official adoption website. “Over the past few years, we have added more and more schools from across the district that requested to be a part of the program. Every school counselor is invited to submit names for the Adopt An Angel Gift Program.” 

As a result of the pandemic, many families have experienced economic struggle or job loss and are in need of extra support this season. There are approximately 600 more children on the list than there were last year. Lovett said the angel tree is another way for LISD to support its students and families who may be struggling during this time. 

“It’s the spirit of giving that makes us more appreciative and have more gratitude for the things that are in our own life,” Lovett said. “I think the angel tree really helps give back and be thankful for what we have in our lives.”