ELLSWORTH – Five Ellsworth High School students turned elves are heading up this year’s Ellsworth Gift Box program, which provides holiday gifts to families in need within the Ellsworth Community School District.

Seniors Adam Capatske, Maggie Pechacek and Lillie Rewolinski are joined by sophomores Sophia Place and Aubrey Marks in coordinating the program, which has been in existence for more than 30 years in one form or another. Last year, the group served 85 families (350 people).

The kids go through applications, which are sent out to families receiving free or reduced lunches in August, select recipients and match them with sponsors, collect gifts and donations, shop for gifts and wrap them, and distribute them in December.

Pechacek has helped her mom, volunteer coordinator and EHS social studies teacher Anne Pechacek, with the program for years.

“I have helped with Gift Box since I was a little kid (shopping/wrapping), and it’s always been something I loved doing,” Pechacek said. “I love being able to help those in need and make sure everyone can give their families a nice Christmas. We have so much fun shopping and wrapping presents.”

Rewolinski helped coordinate the program last year and was drawn back.

“I decided to help with the Gift Box Program again this year as it means a lot to both me and my community,” she said. “It is one of my favorite things I am involved in, and I love knowing that I can make an impact on something as special as someone’s Christmas. Throughout Quarter 2, we have a ton of fun matching applicants, wrapping presents, and of course getting coffee. But beyond that, it truly is such a rewarding experience as we play a big role in making our applicants’ Christmas season successful!”

The third senior in the bunch, Capatske, said Christmas has always been his favorite holiday and he loves spreading that cheer.

“Presents are a great way to show your appreciation and love for your loved ones. Now, I enjoy giving back to the community through the gift box program for those in need. Dressing as Santa is also a huge plus,” he added.

This year, two sophomores are learning the ropes as part of their service learning credits.

“It has always been so fulfilling to make people happy around the holidays, and to be able to help those in need,” Place said. “The Gift Box program has given me the opportunity to put a large amount of my time towards making Christmas the best it can be for struggling families.”

Marks said she also loves giving back to the community, making Gift Box coordinating a great fit.

“I love helping people and knowing that I am helping people on Christmas makes me happy,” she said.

Rewolinski said the process begins with putting applications into their computer with specific codes for each family and matching families with sponsors. She also likes to wrap gifts and buy gift cards.

“We receive applications for both families and sponsors every day, so keeping organization is hugely important as we get closer to December,” she said.

The kids code each family and match them with sponsors that will fill their needs.

“Each family and sponsor fills out a form that says either how many people are in their family, or how many people/families they want to buy for. Based on this, we match them together. We do a lot of emailing, phone calling and filing,” Pechacek said.

The application deadline is Nov. 13. Families can apply by either grabbing a form from the school website under the community tab or contacting any ECSD office for a form. They work to try to match everyone; late applicants are on a waitlist until they serve everyone who applied on time. So far, the students have 55 families and 35 sponsors. Gifts will be distributed at Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services in the drive-thru garage from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 15 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 16.

Pechacek and Rewolinski said they enjoy seeing people smile when they pick things up and hear relief in their voices when they call and tell them they’ve been matched with a sponsor.

“The holidays can be very stressful and so when we can help people, it is really joyful,” Rewolinski said.

“People should donate because there is always a need for sponsors and it feels good to help make sure everyone can have a Christmas,” Pechacek said.

Applicants must live in the Ellsworth Community School District. For those wishing to donate, you can drop off monetary donations at any school district building, mail it to PO Box 1500, Attn. Ellsworth Gift Box Program, Ellsworth WI 54011 or work with the Ellsworth Community School District Foundation in order for the donation to be tax-exempt. You can also visit the school website and click on the link under the “Community” tab or email ellsworthgiftboxprogram@gmail.com