Howe ISD families who are struggling ahead of the holidays can now apply for help with Christmas gifts through the district's Bulldog Angel Tree.
The district posted the online application Wednesday evening, Oct. 21. Its rules, as laid out in the announcement:
- Only students who qualify for the free and reduced-price lunch program can be submitted.
- Applications must be received by Wednesday, Nov. 4.
- Applying does not guarantee a spot in the program.
- Families that are not accepted will be told by email on or before Tuesday, Nov. 10.
- Gift lists should not include electronics that cost more than $50.
The program sets aside $50 to $75 in gifts or items for each child, and the district describes the gifts as a supplement to a child's Christmas rather than a full holiday. The application is a Google form linked from the district's announcement on its website and social media.
Lunch applications first
Because eligibility hinges on the lunch program, families who have not filled out a free and reduced-price lunch form will need one on file. Earlier this month the district sent paper applications home with students in envelopes and asked every family to return one, even those who do not expect to qualify.
The district said the information helps decide how much funding and how many resources its campuses receive, which in turn affects the programs and support it can offer.
