Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm High School Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) members wrap Christmas gifts with the New Ulm Optimist Club at the New Ulm Country Club Tuesday. Pictured from left are Annie Loberg, Bianca Evans, Frankee Vavra, Elaina Brown and Peyton Jensen.

NEW ULM — The Christmas spirit kicked into high gear at the New Ulm Country Club Tuesday as New Ulm High School students and New Ulm Optimist Club members wrapped Christmas gifts for the Adopt-a-Family project.

A community service initiative aimed at supporting families in need during the holiday season, the program allows individuals and businesses to sponsor families by providing gifts, food, and essential items.

Pillows, tableware and other household items comprised much of the gifts that will be distributed to needy families on a list provided by Brown County Human Services.

Sponsors can contribute by donating gifts or funds to purchase items. Related activities include Coats for Kids, coat drives to ensure children stay warm during winter.

A number of New Ulm High School students participated through the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), a career and technical student organization that functions as an integral part of the Family and Consumer Sciences education curriculum within the school system.

The organization offers community service opportunities, student leadership, helping students develop real world skills, explore career paths and become college and career-ready.

“We do a lot of community service at FCCLA. We do Santa’s Closet, Truck or Treat and a bake sale,” said Bianca Evans. “We try to help out the community a lot. “Last year, the Optimist Club donated money to help us get to nationals.”

New Ulm Optimist member Les Schultz said all funds raised go to support youth under age 18.

“Our primary support comes from pull tabs and Smiley’s Tavern and cheese curds we sell at the Brown County Fair, Bavarian Blast and other events,” said Schultz.

“We’ve got $4,000 to purchase items this year. We also support a Youth Power group for kids ages 7-13 that goes shopping for Adopt-a-Family items and service projects” said club member Liz Altmann.

“It’s wonderful having the fundraisers for funds the last few years. We buy anything from toys to toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning products,” said Ellie Sveine.