The Sharing Tree
So excited to share this week's MEMBER MONDAY Spotlight - THE SHARING TREE!!
TELL US ABOUT YOU AND WHAT YOU DO.
The Sharing Tree provides school supplies and backpacks to Hudson and Somerset students. In 2019 we initiated the Mid-Year Teacher School Supply Replenishment Program assisting our educators with the tools they need to teach but may not have the funds to afford. I am the CoFounder and current Executive Director, Cindy Leonard
WHAT PRODUCTS OR SERVICES TO YOU PROVIDE?
Any school supplies and backpacks students registered with The Sharing Tree will need and the classroom supplies educators may request during the MidYear Teacher Replenishment.
The Sharing Tree is the only school supply assistance program in Hudson and Somerset. But what differentiates us from other school supply assistance programs out there is we provide the students exactly what’s on their classroom teacher’s list. Students registered with The Sharing Tree arrive on their first day of school with same supplies as their peers, not random supplies that we’ve seen other programs offer.
TELL US ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU.
We provide this service year round not only at ‘Back to School’ time. Families move into and out of districts and student’s needs may change during the year. We keep an inventory of necessary supplies so that we can be available when needed.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT WITH THE BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION?
The establishment of the Mid-Year Teacher School Supply Replenishment Program. Recognizing that our district educators also need assistance with school supplies before they spend their own money prompted us to broaden our Mission, budget for, and plan how to also support them.
WHAT ARE SOME WAYS IN WHICH YOU’RE INVOLVED WITH THE CHAMBER & SOMERSET COMMUNITY?
This is my first year on the Somerset Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, so I dipped my toes in very slowly—joining the Tree Lighting Event committee, off season from the busy time with The Sharing Tree. That was really fun and I would LOVE to continue my involvement with it going forward. I also work at Wheelhouse Coffee in Somerset. Kortney, James, and their coffee are a wonderful asset to Somerset. Their community involvement speaks for itself.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE SOMERSET AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE?
Shannon Donnelly asked me! I have appreciated Shannon’s dedication as the SHS principal and now Superintendent; she said the Chamber was looking for more non-profit representation so here we are!
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN SOMERSET OR ACTIVITIES/EVENTS TO SPONSOR &/OR PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMUNITY?
Now that I know about it I would like to participate more in Pea Soup Days events, a perfect community celebration to officially start summer! I really enjoyed volunteering with the Tree Lighting Event. Seeing all of the little ones in awe of Santa and enjoying the activities the Chamber sponsored was a delight.
WHERE’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT & FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP IN SOMERSET?
Personally, whenever my kids come to visit we order pizza from Pizza Planet for pick up. We go over to Oliphant Brewing and eat it while enjoying Oliphant’s craft beer either inside or outside on their awesome patio. Oliphant was the 1st Somerset business to partner with The Sharing Tree to collect school supplies during our summer collection period. And my kids love their beer. For shopping, I go to Dick’s Fresh Market.
The Sharing Tree is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the communities of Hudson and Somerset, WI by ensuring all students have access to the tools they need to succeed in their classrooms. In the words of Mr. Rogers, ”Look for the helpers, you will always find people who are willing to help.” With the support of our volunteers, local philanthropists, grants, individual gifts, our retail partners, WESTconsin Credit Union, the annual Marty Party Holiday Fundraiser for The Sharing Tree, we will always try to be a helper.
Founded in 2002 we have assisted approximately 3,723 students. The Sharing Tree is a 501(c)3 nonprofit incorporated in the State of Wisconsin. Your contributions are tax deductible.
Here's the link to their WISH LIST for items they're still collecting through August 5th: https://www.thesharingtree.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SupplyWishList.pdf.
Also, if you or someone you knows needs help this year (or any year) there are 34 days left to register for The Sharing Tree school supply program! Registration closes July 31.
Find mobile-friendly online registration at our WEBSITE: thesharingtree.org.
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#schooltools #schoolreadiness #equippedforsuccess #chamberrockstar #somersetwichamber
#hometownproud #seeaneedfillaneed
