Evans City School Creates Christmas 'Storybook Forest' for Charity

Now this is a story that is sure to have a happy ending.

From 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, the and will sponsor its first holiday “Storybook Forest” inside the cafeteria.

The free event will feature numerous Christmas trees, each decorated with a theme based on book read by the different classroom during the school year.

Pam Jantsch, a mom with the Parent Teacher Organization, said one of the can’t-miss trees is based on The Carpenter’s Gift about the Rockefeller Center Tree by David Rubel. Like the story, the corresponding tree will reflect a theme of kindness and giving.

"It’s going to be very beautiful all lit up and decorated,” Jantsch said of the gallery of trees.

Jantsch said everyone who attends the event would have an opportunity to buy raffle tickets to be placed in baskets next to their favorite trees. The winner of each basket raffle will receive the gifts under that particular tree.

Hot cocoa and cookies will be served, and student musicians will be throughout the school lobby and hallways playing Christmas tunes, Jantsch said. There will be a strolling accordion player asking participants to sing along with him.

Students are invited to take part in a book swap.

Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable canned or boxed food or a soft good. The items will be collected and given to food cupboards in Evans City and Zelienople.

Proceeds also will benefit the Evans City School Literacy Fund.