January 13, 2016 – Home, Kan. - Blue Valley Tele-Communications’ 20th Annual Giving Tree was successful once again; providing gifts to over 544 local children and their families this Christmas – nearly a 25 percent increase over last year.

The BVTC Giving Tree stretched across the entire BVTC service area and was successful once again because of the generosity and support shown from the people of these rural communities. Numerous businesses, daycares, and other organizations assisted the program this year by either supplying gifts or donating money for multiple families. A few of the largest donors included Kansas Catholic Charities, St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, Axtell Schools, ABATE District 15, Valley Vet Supply, Frankfort Care Home, Community Memorial Healthcare, Community Healthcare Systems, and Black Hawks Motorcycle Club, to name a few.

BVTC employees devoted the week before Christmas to the program; wrapping, sorting, and shopping for gifts; ensuring all children and their families had gifts. “The need for assistance continues to grow year after year,” commented Jada Ackerman, public relations director at BVTC and program coordinator. “The number of groups and organizations located outside our service area offering assistance was nothing short of astonishing this year,” she added. 

Because the program is primarily anonymous, recipients are not always able to personally thank their donors. BVTC has received numerous thank you cards expressing their gratitude for the help and gifts they received.