Ohio County: December Spotlight

 When it comes to supporting families, there are few places quite like this one. In Ohio County, Communities In Schools site coordinators have created something truly special for students and families who find themselves in need. They call it The Giving Tree—a once-ordinary building that has been lovingly transformed into a welcoming space filled with clothing, hygiene items, school supplies, and food. 

But The Giving Tree is so much more than a storage area. It offers families a peaceful, dignified shopping experience where they can browse, try on items, and choose what they need without the pressure of cost or judgment. It’s a place where kindness is tangible. Site Coordinators also visit the space to gather essentials to take back to their schools, ensuring that help reaches students quickly and compassionately, right where they are. 

Another bright spot in Ohio County this year is the work of Communities In Schools Site Coordinator Marleah Donahie and her heartfelt new initiative, Ready, Set, School, designed for students at Elm Grove Elementary. Marleah noticed that a nearby neighborhood was facing challenges with attendance, and instead of simply acknowledging the need, she acted. She brought together resources and community partners and turned her vision into a program that is already making a meaningful difference. 

Ready, Set, School gives students a safe and cheerful place in their own community to go each morning before the bus arrives. There, they can enjoy crafts, games, breakfast, and the company of friends who are working through similar struggles. With caring adult supervision at the local community center, these students have been striving to improve their attendance—and their hard work is paying off. Each month, families gather for a fun night filled with prizes, games, and pizza. These evenings celebrate the students’ progress while also strengthening the connection between families and the program that’s helping them thrive. The hope for the future is to expand Ready, Set, School to also encompass middle and high school students. 

Together, The Giving Tree and Ready, Set, School shine as powerful reminders of what can happen when a county and community choose compassion, creativity, and unwavering support for its children.