The Craig County Public Library celebrated the back-to-school season with a festive twist through its inaugural Christmas in July: Learning Tree program, designed to collect school supplies for local students.
The Learning Tree, a tropical spin on the traditional holiday Angel Tree, featured a palm tree adorned with 40 ornaments—each representing a requested school supply item from Craig County Public Schools’ supply list. Some ornaments even included coconuts to enhance the seasonal theme.
Each ornament was grouped by price to make it easier for donors to choose a contribution that fit their budget:
Ornaments 1–10 represented items typically $5 or less.
Ornaments 11–25 listed items around $10 or less.
Ornaments 26–40 included items between $10 and $20.
Community members could select ornaments in person at the library, via Facebook, by phone, or through email. Donations were due by Thursday, Aug. 7, with supplies delivered to Craig County Public Schools the following day.
The library partnered with several local organizations to support the effort. Donation options included:
Dropping off items at the library or at Food Country, USA, which placed a collection cart at the store entrance.
Participating in Craig County Public Schools’ “Load the Bus” supply drive held Aug. 1–3 at Walmart locations in Valley View, Clearbrook, and Salem.
Donating or receiving supplies from Craig Valley Baptist Church, open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings and Wednesday evenings.
Shopping for discounted clothing or donating to the Clothes Closet at Cornerstone Church of God of Prophecy, open Mondays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Families and educators in need were encouraged to contact the library or local churches for assistance with supplies or classroom materials. Organizers also reminded residents to take advantage of Virginia’s tax-free weekend, held Aug. 1–3.
As of press time, 29 ornaments remained on the Learning Tree. The library encouraged the community to help fulfill the remaining requests before the donation deadline.
“We know our outstanding, giving, and kind community will help make sure every student in Craig County goes back to school with what they need to succeed,” said Program Director Michaela Crawford.
-The New Castle Record
