We are committed to providing new school supplies to Hudson and Somerset students and their educators to facilitate success in their classrooms.
In the words of Mr. Rogers, ”Look for the helpers, you will always find people who are willing to help.” With the support of WESTconsin Credit Union, our volunteers, in kind donations, our community new school supply collection bin hosts, grants and individual gifts, we will always try to be a helper.
Founded in 2002 we have assisted 5,023 students. The Sharing Tree is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization incorporated in the State of Wisconsin. Your contributions are tax deductible.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
5023
Students equipped for their 1st day of school since 2002
$17,082
Raised in school supplies donated to Hudson and Somerset, WI educators. The last thing we want is to have teachers use their own money to equip their classrooms.
100+
Volunteer s who annually support our Mission
Testimonies from families and
teachers
“THANK YOU! This is a HUGE help and sooo beyond appreciate the blessing of supplies for school.”
“We have never needed help and have been quite ashamed to have to partake in these donations, especially knowing so many other people are in need of the help. Everybody we have had encounters with at this donation site has been 100%amazing 💗 With our son being able to pick his backpack to the kind smiles we received in directions to something that was so unfamiliar we appreciate all you do to help families that need a little extra help these days. Much love”
“Thank you for your continued dedication to serve our local communities!”
“I began teaching three new classes this year and thought I would have an ample budget but turns out I don’t. Thank you in advance if you are able to help.”
“Thank you so much for the opportunity to get more items for my students. We have been falling short for quite some time. Thank you so much! I truly appreciate your consideration.”
“First and foremost thank you for your generosity in making sure the needs for the students and teachers within the area! What a relief and benefit to our student’s learning!”
How You Can Help Students and Educators
Donate
The Sharing Tree, with the assistance of our intrepid volunteer shopping teams, who are always on the lookout for the best pricing, are able to equip students with the supplies they need and the brands their teachers request
Little goes a long way
A sample elementary backpack with the necessary school supplies=$48.37
A sample high backpack with the necessary school supplies=$46.07
Sponsor a Student
We invite you to ‘Sponsor a Student’. If you and your family are interested in shopping for a student registered with The Sharing Tree please reach out to thesharingtree2002@gmail.com from July 1-31st and we’ll send you student shopping tag(s). When complete, they can be dropped off at WESTconsin Credit Union.
Team
The Sharing Tree shopping teams do their due diligence to spend the donated or grant dollars with the utmost integrity. They religiously shop sales to make the dollars stretch. We are proud of how many students we are able to serve with our modest budget.
How did The Sharing Tree get started?
The Sharing Tree began in 2002 after Cindy’s encounter the year before with the custodian at the former Stillwater mall. Cindy was volunteering with The Caring Tree, the school supply program that operated in every school district in Minnesota, when the custodian approached and asked if he could register his 3 sons. During his break he returned the completed registrations but his sons attended school in Hudson, WI. As a result she had to deny him assistance but promised him this program would be in Hudson the following year. Beginning in 2002 Cindy & Ken and their three children organized and operated The Sharing Tree out of their home. Since its inception The Sharing Tree has provided much needed school supplies to thousands of Hudson and Somerset students.
What is The Sharing Tree’s Backpack Policy?
The Sharing Tree will provide a new, quality backpack for each year of elementary school. The first year of middle school, The Sharing Tree will provide a new, quality backpack. The subsequent years of middle school, no backpack will be automatically provided unless there is clear expressed need during registration. The first year of High School, The Sharing Tree will provide a new, quality backpack. The subsequent years of high school, no backpack will be automatically provided unless there is clear expressed need during registration.
We can provide information upon request for backpack companies warranty plans.
What is The Sharing Tree’s screening process?
The Sharing Tree does not screen registrants. Our goal is to provide the necessary school supplies for each student to be as successful as possible as they begin a new school year.
How does The Sharing Tree support faculty, staff and specialists?
The Sharing Tree provides any teaching staff access to supplies in the form of a “Mid-Year Replenish” program. We know many teachers and specialists end up using their own funds to replenish the supplies that seem to run out long before the school year is done. Teachers and specialists are able to contact The Sharing Tree and request a replenishment of supplies at no charge.
