Several Warren County School District employees were Santa’s elves this past Thursday morning.

And their shopping trip will allow Santa to bring a happier Christmas to 54 students who otherwise may not have had a Christmas quite as bright.

The trip was the culmination of the KIN Fund Angel Tree program, according to Director of Pupil Services Dr. Patricia Hawley.

The KIN Fund – short for Kids In Need – was set up several years ago to provide support or homeless students but has branched out to provide support for, well, Kids In Need.

“The school community has embraced a commitment to support the KIN Fund Angel Tree with 34 employees committing to support a child and/or purchase an item,” Hawley wrote in a letter to the Community Foundation. “In addition, 21 students will be receiving support from community organizations such as the Methodist Church and other donors.”

Hawley said that over $7,000 was raised for the KIN Fund generally this year “via shared efforts of Libonati Fund and school fundraisers.”

She noted it takes “a huge effort and commitment to organize and manage community programs such as the KIN Fund.

“It was the Community Foundation of Warren County interest that made the KIN Fund possible. I cannot conceive any possible way to truly share Warren County School District’s gratitude for having a partnership with the” Community Foundation.