With the population steadily rising in Tomball, many families have seen an increase in their standard of living as well. However, there are many families who are struggling day-to-day to even provide the necessities for their family, not to mention extra items like toys for Christmas.

That’s where Brandy Cheatum comes in. She is the director of the St. Vincent de Paul Society Community Giving Tree at St. Anne Catholic Church, a program designed to provide smiles to needy children during the holiday season. The Giving Tree has been around for 16 years, mostly providing items on its own. Last year brought changes though, as the need for children’s gifts keeps rising in the Tomball area.

Photo: Brandy Cheatum sorts through donated gifts during last year’s Giving Tree program. Cheatum expects a significant increase in the amount of families that will request aid this holiday season.

“The need for assistance has now reached a level that cannot be met by any one organization,” Cheatum said. “(Last year) we began asking the community and its businesses to help us meet the needs of our less fortunate neighbors.”

In 2010 the organization provided gifts for 856 children, almost double the 450 gifts provided in 2008. With the economy still stalling and many people still searching for reliable work, Cheatum expects those numbers to continue to rise. Sixty-seven families have already signed up for this year and sign-ups will continue through Nov. 22.

“The growth of our program shows an undeniable increase of impoverished families within our community,” Cheatum said. “Those statistics may be surprising to some; however, in my eyes, the most significant change has been the items parents are requesting for their children. Last year the most commonly requested items were undergarments, coats, shoes and basic school supplies.”

The Giving Tree’s goal is for every family that is eligible for assistance to receive a holiday meal and care package in addition to providing each child with one set of winter clothing, a toy and any basic necessities requested.

To provide this help, Cheatum is asking local businesses and individuals to step up and help.

“Financial contributions are always appreciated, but there are a variety of ways to become involved with our program,” Cheatum said. “In the past businesses have hosted clothing and toy drives on our behalf, adopted families and donated professional services.”

Cheatum mentioned that last year the Giving Tree started a partnership with the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots program that will continue this year. In addition to that, the Giving Tree will be holding a Community Partner Program with several options for businesses to contribute as a Community Partner. Businesses can either pledge a dollar or in-kind amount with a minimum of $250 to become a Community Partner. The Giving Tree will also be doing a point-of-sale campaign with retail outlets, where a dollar buys a patron a card to put their name on.

The biggest part of the new program will be a weekend campaign the first weekend in December. Businesses that choose to participate will pledge a percentage of their sales for that weekend to the Giving Tree program.

Volunteers are also needed, said Cheatum.

“We are always in need of volunteers to work with clients during the registration process and provide administrative support,” Cheatum said, “as well as physically managing the intake, sorting and distribution of gifts.”

Cheatum stated that programs like this are a blessing to the community and she hopes that those who can step up and help will do so.

“I am looking forward to working with new faces and watching as our community comes together to improve the lives of so many,” she said. “I believe this program brings light and hope into a world that so few of us truly understand.”

To volunteer time or to help in any way, contact Cheatum at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at 832-488-7710.

File Photo

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed