Highlands Angel Tree Program Brings Holiday Joy to Over 70 Families

This Christmas season, the Highlands School District and its community came together in an extraordinary way to support families in need. Through the Angel Tree Program, more than 70 families and over 300 students received gifts and assistance—marking the largest outreach in the program’s history.

Key organizer Kristen Wyant (HES Autistic Support Teacher) noted that just like at Thanksgiving, the number of families helped has nearly tripled in recent years, reflecting both the growing need and the incredible generosity of our community. This year’s success was made possible by donations from teachers, staff members, community members, and Highlands Alumni.

Several local organizations played a key role in making this happen. Natrona Heights Presbyterian Church, ABC Transit, Forks Zion Lutheran Church (Leechburg), and Tedesco Body Shop (Murrysville) each adopted children from the Angel Tree. Visitors and employees of these establishments purchased gifts and delivered them to the school—ensuring every child had something special to open.

Behind the scenes, this effort required months of planning and countless hours of coordination. Volunteers worked tirelessly to communicate with families, arrange gift drop-offs, organize pick-up schedules, and even deliver gifts to families unable to come to the school.

The program was led by Highlands teachers and staff Kristen Wyant, Kristy Stawinski, and Christina Gross, with generous help from Nicole Romonovich, Krista Martini, Linda Gold, Michelle Joyce, Donna Manocchi, Becca Stauffer, and Erina Ratliff. Special thanks to Attendance Officer Carmen Corna, who drove the Rams Van alongside Kristen Wyant to make the final deliveries.

This initiative truly demonstrates the power of community and teamwork. Highlands is proud to support its families and grateful to everyone who contributed to making this holiday season brighter for so many!