At a time when inflation and high gas prices are hitting families nationwide, community members in Haywood County provided a plentiful Christmas to 109 students through the Haywood County Schools Foundation’s Sugar Plum Project.
Though Christmas is traditionally a time of plenty, there are hundreds of people in Haywood County who are struggling financially and have nothing extra to provide a nice holiday for their families.
“This year, the Foundation had well over $10,000 in donations from private individuals and local businesses just for Sugar Plum,” Jenny Wood, Haywood County Schools Foundation executive director, said. “Our community members are as generous and giving as ever, despite the economy, and we are so grateful for their continued support of our schools and students.”
After two years of modified celebrations due to Covid, the Sugar Plum Project returned to the euphoric and chaotic tradition of giggling, excited children ripping off wrapping paper and showing their friends and teachers all the new gifts they received.
Students each received a large bag nearly as tall as a themselves filled with new winter clothes and shoes, as well as every kind of toy imaginable.
Popular toys this year included Bluey, L.O.L. dolls, and super hero action figures, as well as classic gifts like art supplies, Legos, and Barbies.
“I asked Santa for a doll, and I got it!” Rachel, a kindergartener, said as she excitedly held a baby doll and pointed to a pile of toys and clothes.
Children also received clothing, shoes, and accessories to prepare them for the upcoming cold winter months.
Perhaps as exciting as opening a bagful of presents was meeting Santa himself. Brandon McGaha, a Haywood County Schools maintenance worker, donned the class red suit and talked with each child during the event.
McGaha received many hugs as he walked through the room and listened to eager children tell him what they wanted for Christmas.
“I’ve been the Sugar Plum Santa before, and honestly it’s one of my favorite parts about Christmas,” McGaha said with a smile. “It means everything to me to make these kids smile and laugh.”
For the past 36 years, the Haywood County Schools Foundation’s Sugar Plum Project has partnered with generous community members and local businesses to provide clothing and toys to pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade students enrolled in Haywood County Schools.
From November 18 through December 9, children’s names were available on trees at United Community Bank, Haywood County Farm Bureau, HomeTrust Bank, State Employees Credit Union, and Champion Credit Union. Generous community members picked out a name and bought items included on the child’s wish list like clothes, shoes, and toys. The Sugar Plum Project also accepted monetary donations to sponsor children.
Along with the Sugar Plum Project, Haywood County Schools has worked with Pactiv Evergreen, police officers from Waynesville, Maggie Valley, and Canton, Haywood County Sheriff’s officers, Highway Patrol, Haywood County EMS, Clyde Lions Club, several local churches, businesses, and individuals to ensure all students have a memorable holiday season.
“Haywood County Schools is grateful for the donations of money, gifts, and time given to our students,” Wood said. “Despite everything going on this year, the generosity of our community has blown me away.”
Submitted by: Carrie Sutton, HCS Foundation