How the Lincoln YMCA’s Giving Tree helped grow a teen’s fundraising business

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Giving Tree program started as a way to give gifts to kids at lower-income schools, but over time, those kind acts led those kids to contribute to the program’s growth.

“This is a really special time of year. The giving tree is one of our programs where we are really able to give back to the community,” said Northeast YMCA’s executive director Luke Stege-Tompsett.

The annual drive provides about three gifts to every single student at Pershing and Elliot Elementary schools.

Those gifts come from donations collected from the beginning of November until their distribution day on Dec. 12.

“We kind of want to bridge that gap for kids that don’t get a holiday gift through the season, so that’s where we come in and spread the love and joy so that every kiddo can get a gift,” said Tameca Barnes, associate executive director of Northeast Ymca.

Community partners like ‘Toys for Tots’ and Husker athletes help distribute the gifts, making the experience more than just gift-giving alone.

“They lean into the 5th graders and show them what positive role models look like in their community,” said Stege-Tompsett.

The program not only shows students what a role model looks like, but it also creates them.

16-year-old Pixie Devitt attended Pershing Elementary School and grew up going to the YMCA.

She says she felt compelled to help the program grow at just 9 years old.

“I’ve always been fortunate enough to have those things in my life, so I know the importance that it brings, the joy that it brings, the happiness that just one toy can bring,” she said.

With the help of her family, Devitt first held a bake sale that raised eight donations, and in 2021, at just 12 years old, she launched ‘Cupcakes for a Cause.’

Last year, they donated $4,000 to the Giving Tree, providing nearly 750 gifts — almost 20% of the school’s needs.

“It grew really fast, but I know I had such a concrete message behind it, and I was very motivated to get everything done, and the backstory really propelled me to give everything I have to my fundraiser,” she said.

“Her reach and impact have been incredible on this event,” said Stege-Tompsett.

Now, the community is helping push her even further, including a yearly grant from The Optimist Club of Lincoln to help pay for supplies.

Devitt says her goal this year is to raise $5,000 for The Giving Tree.

For those wanting to purchase cupcakes from Cupcakes for a Cause, you can visit Pixie’s Instagram and send her a message.

If you would like to donate a gift or make a financial contribution to the YMCA’s Giving Tree program, you can visit their website.