CARAGOA LAKE, N.Y. -- Holidays are a time for giving, and for those who don't have much, giving can be more special.
"We come from low income families, they come here, we try our best to provide kids with fun activities and programs," said Gailmarie Gillen.
In one of the most southern tips of the Adirondack Park sits the Wheelerville School, a small K-8 district that serves 130 students, and with a small school comes a small budget, leaving the Parent Teacher Organization with a crucial mandate.
"We help out with kids who might need school supplies and coats and boots and hats to get them through the winter," said Gillen.
Also providing fun programs throughout the year, like an easter egg hunt and trick or treat, each Christmas something special happens. The PTO uses the money they fund raised, complimented by the Stewart's Holiday Match award, to give students the chance to give each holiday, something they may not be able to do otherwise.
"A lot of them, probably not," said Jodi Rorick.
The happiness on the student's face was obvious, as these second graders put their finishing touches on their presents and making the crucial decision of who to give them to.
"There's a close knit with a lot of the staff here. A lot of us grew up here, and now we work here," said Rorick.
And now that staff can send the students they care so much about home with a smile this Christmas.