And while there is not an actual tree there, the store itself is “evergreen” and will be open throughout the school year going forward.

Officials with Ohio County Schools gathered Thursday for the official “garland cutting” of the store, which is located in the Triadelphia Middle School annex.

Students and their families referred by building principals or counselors will get the opportunity to shop for free at The Giving Tree. Inside is a large collection of clothing items available, as are non-perishable food items and cleaning products.

The Giving Tree was the idea of Stacy Dietz, community in schools liaison, who put to use her expertise as a boutique owner to make the store an attractive place.

photo by: Photo by Joselyn King

Stacy Dietz, left, community in school liaison in Ohio County Schools, holding her dog Louie, is joined by West Liberty University intern Rosaleah Brill during the opening of "The Giving Tree" in the Triadelphia Middle School Annex. Students and their families in need of assistance will be referred to the store to pick out items they need.

“We’ve been filling orders for counselors already, and taking items to the schools,” she said. “There had to be a lot of emergency selections before the holidays, and our stock is probably already half gone. But people had needs.”

Dietz said the community has been very generous in donating newer and more hip items wanted by youths. In addition, Walmart has provided items, with Northwood Health Systems and Liberty Distribution also providing support.

Dietz also announced Thursday she has just received a $5,000 grant from the River Valley Health Foundation. Financial donations are used to purchase specific items – such as when a youth requires a certain size clothing item The Giving Tree doesn’t have, she explained.

“It takes a community, and the community has come through,” Dietz said.

Ohio County Schools presently has four CIS liasions. Dietz is stationed at Woodsdale Elementary and the Ohio County alternative school; Abby Pownall, at Bridge Street Middle School; Heather Weekly at the Warwood School; and Unique Robinson, at Wheeling Park High School.

photo by: Photo by Joselyn King

Stacy Dietz, right, community in school liaison in Ohio County Schools, is assisted by Superintendent Kim Miller prior to the "garland cutting" of "The Giving Tree" in the Triadelphia Middle School Annex. Students and their families in need of assistance will be referred to the store to pick out items they need.

Dietz said she utilized some of the students at the alternative school in helping her to set up The Giving Tree. Some helped to hang garments, while others assisted in assembling shelving.

“There’s something about people and their hearts. They want to give,” she said. “And if you believe in children, they will come through.”

It’s important to Dietz that items donated are not be just cast-offs, but clothing the youths find attractive and want to wear.

“Kids want to wear the cool stuff,” she said. “You can really tell when a kid has not been born with those opportunities.”

Ohio County Superintendent Kim Miller said there are students and their families in the school district with needs.

photo by: Photo by Joselyn King

Ohio County Schools Superintendent Kim Miller, left; Andy Garber, Ohio County Board of Education president; Stacy Dietz, community in school liaison; and Pete Chacalos, board of education member, participate in the "garland cutting" to open "The Giving Tree" in the Triadelphia Middle School Annex. Students and their families in need of assistance will be referred to the store to pick out items they need.

“We have so many children in need, and so many families that can use the help,” she said. “We are very, very happy to do this for them. Hopefully, this is a program that continues to grow and we are able to do the best for our kids.”

"The Giving Tree" in the Triadelphia Middle School Annex officially opened Thursday with a "garland cutting." Those participating included Abby Pownall, community in schools liaison ; Ohio County Schools Superintendent Kim Miller; Andy Garber, board of education president; Stacy Dietz, CIS liaison ; Pete Chacalos, board of education member; Heather Weekly, CIS liaison ; and Assistant Superintendent Rick Jones.

Ohio County Schools community in schools liaisons Abby Pownall, left, Stacy Dietz and Heather Weekly gather prior to the "garland cutting" of "The Giving Tree" in the Triadelphia Middle School Annex. Students and their families in need of assistance will be referred to the store to pick out items they need. Not pictured in CIS liasion Unique Robinson.