The spirit of giving grows a CdM school

The piles of brightly wrapped presents multiplied under a Christmas tree at Corona del Mar middle and high schools Wednesday.

Throughout the day, the gifts were whisked away to schools and community organizations, bringing early Christmas cheer to children and teens affiliated with schools and organizations in Orange and Los Angeles counties.

About 500 students at the Corona del Mar schools gathered an estimated 1,000 donated gifts over the last week and a half.

The donations grew out of an idea called “The Giving Tree,” one that took hold in Jennifer Kucera’s AP government and economics class. Soon student groups, school clubs, teachers and staff were chipping in.

“Almost everyone who heard about it wanted to help,” said Matilda Bress, a senior in Kucera’s class and one of the organizers. “Everyone has gone above and beyond.”

And while charitable giving at this time of year is nothing new, “it really has become this miraculous thing,” Kucera said. “We’re not only trying to address the need in our local community but also in other communities.”

The presents are meant for families with children between 1 month and 18 years. About 205 recipients who are affiliated with various schools and organizations, including the Canyon Branch Boys and Girls Club in Laguna Beach, South Junior High School in Anaheim, and Madrona Middle School in Torrance will receive the gifts.

A mountain bike, dollhouse and Queen Elsa doll were among the piles of presents.

But the gift-givers didn’t neglect practicality, said senior Patrick Ong, a senior. Recipients were also given age-appropriate school supplies, such as crayons for kindergartners and notebooks and binders for older pupils.

And while Ong is graduating in June, he said students want to make this a tradition that continues year after year.

“We hope it becomes a legacy for our school,” Ong said.