Giving Tree connects students, service, and community

Shawn Coyle, who teaches floral design at Skyline High School, has a very important job to do in early November: he guides his classes through decorating seven trees donated by the Dallas Market Center, but one of them holds a special meaning to his class and to all Skyline students and community. 

In one corner of the main office awaited the tree Coyle’s class intended to trim for a special purpose—the giving tree that has been part of the Skyline tradition for about a decade. Inspired by the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, Susan Shinn, a history and psychology teacher, started the Skyline giving tree specifically to support the homeless student population.

“My mom and I always supported the Salvation Army Angel Tree, but one year, I started thinking, ‘I love that program, but we have almost 4,000 kids here at Skyline. We were named an honorary city. Why can’t we take care of our own?’” said Shinn, who is also a Skyline graduate. “So I asked if we could start a similar program, and we started by focusing on our homeless students.”

Shinn said the students had to fill out forms providing their clothing size, wants, needs, and favorite snacks. To maintain privacy, Shinn assigned each student a number. And to preserve dignity, Shinn makes sure the students receive their gifts privately. 

One thing is new this year. For the first time, special education students are contributing in a memorable way—they crafted ornaments for the tree. Latronda Williams, special education teacher assistant, said the students will also sell the ornaments and raise funds for future enrichment activities for their program, which include National Go Fly a Kite Day and a Mardis Gras parade.

“Times are hard, and I needed to get funds for the children and also implement something creative that allowed them to interact, learn how to use their fingers, and practice different skills than what we teach them every day,” she said. 

The holiday season, which naturally involves crafts, provided such an opportunity as well as the opportunity to contribute to their community by helping others. So far the students have created candy canes made of red and white plastic beads, personalized baubles with adhesive vinyl, pour-painted Christmas balls, and decorated wreaths with bells and bows. 

The contribution of the special education population is one of many, Shinn said. Students, teachers, other team members, and even community organizers have played a vital role over the years, giving generous donations that have included substantial gift cards and cases of snacks. Yet, she notes, the spirit of the giving tree extends beyond material support.

“The giving tree isn’t just about material needs; it’s about showing students they matter,” Shinn said. “Most of our giving tree recipients live in shelters, and no one knows whether they have anybody. I like knowing that we can reach out and help someone in the Skyline family.”

Outside Coyle’s classroom, miniature Christmas trees, each one numbered, were displayed on metal carts and atop reach-in refrigerators. As Coyle’s second-period students—all girls, wearing black aprons and festive headbands–wheeled utility carts filled with boxes and plastic containers of ornaments to decorate the trees, Coyle, a former Marine who served in Toys for Tots, said he also understands how important it is to assist others in tough times.

“I know that people are in need because I’ve been there myself,” he said. “Everybody needs a little bit of assistance, especially now with our hard financial times, and this is a way the kids can wake up and have something under the tree.”

Shinn said the giving tree embodies the altruistic spirit of the Skyline community, and, to this day, she continues to be amazed at how students, who may themselves be needing support, give back to other students.

“It warms my heart how these students give back,” Shinn said. “They need things and yet they still give back. We ask for something, and they do it.”

Despite challenges to the program’s momentum through the years—including the pandemic and staffing transitions—the giving tree has endured. Shinn is hopeful that when she eventually leaves, new leaders will step in to continue the tradition of giving unconditionally.

“I want it to grow, and I hope that it continues,” Shinn said. “This is a family here, and we’re helping our family.”

If you or your department would like to sponsor a Skyline angel this season, please contact Parent Resource Coordinator Stacy Galindo at (972) 502-3752 or stgalindo@dallasisd.org.