Hayfield FFA shares Christmas with local families

Hayfield’s FFA Chapter had the Christmas spirit recently as they took part in the community Share Christmas program.
Chapter officers hit the stores one weekend to purchase clothing, canned goods and gifts for the anonymous children and families on their lists, said FFA Advisor Jack Crowson.
The Chapter had $1,000 to spend, said President Brooke Bauer, a junior at Hayfield High School. The money, she said, was raised during the chapter’s corn drive in the fall. The corn drive, she added, has been a project of the local chapter for a number of years.
“This year’s donation was able to be made by having a successful corn drive from our great community and district members without them we wouldn’t have been able to give back,” Crowson added.
The group received the names of those in need of gifts, said FFA Treasurer Macy Holtan, a sophomore.
They did most of the shopping in Rochester, the two said, where they were able to get things the youngsters needed and wanted.
One 12-year-old needed a sweater, Bauer said, so they bought her a sweater. Others needed boots so they purchased those also.
Pajamas were also a popular gift. After all, said Bauer, “who doesn’t like pajamas.”
Hayfield’s FFA and other school groups, including the high school Student Council, were active in area holiday activities, Bauer said, including Toys for Tots and food donations.
FFA is open to Hayfield students in grades 7-12 with 45 members currently enrolled. There are numerous opportunities in FFA, both officers said, both for those with an agriculture background and those without.
Bauer said her particular area of interest is in dairy and “I really like showing cows.” She also pointed out that her involvement in FFA is not all about the animals as she has learned become more comfortable with public speaking.
Holtan said she has been involved in poultry activities but also some of the leadership activities which help with speaking and interviewing skills.
Both, Holtan said, won the region competitions in their areas.