The Petschar siblings — Dana Colenso, Denise Larson, Dean Petschar, Darla Olson, Lynn Gussert and Darren Petschar, along with their spouses, children and grandchildren — in 2014 switched from exchanging gifts to having a fun-filled evening that generates money for those in need, with the theme of “Share Your Christmas.”

The family hosts an annual Christmas Eve celebration after church services, and they were looking for a way to assist those in need, not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.

Darren Petschar is principal at Woodland Elementary School in Kingsford, and his wife, Sherri Petschar, is the guidance counselor/curriculum director at Niagara Public Schools in Niagara, Wis.

After discussing how to help, the idea was raised to utilize school social/success workers in the different districts to get funds where most needed.

The Petschar Family established the donor-advised Kids in Need fund with the Dickinson Area Community Foundation. All donations receive a tax-deductible receipt from the foundation.

The first year, the family generated $800 through an in-house silent auction and card games.

Each year since the inception, funds donated have grown substantially as extended family and friends contributed as well.

The money goes to three area school districts — Breitung Township, Iron Mountain and Niagara in Wisconsin — because family members attended those schools.

They hope to grow the fund enough to include other school districts in the future.

Jayme Petschar, the son of Dean and Patti Petschar, is employed at Boss Snowplow/Toro in Iron Mountain, where he was able to submit his receipt of donation to DACF, then forward it on to the Toro Foundation for a matching contribution.

The Petschar family is grateful to Boss/Toro for its assistance in growing the amount of money available to give to school success workers. The dollars are used to meet needs that otherwise are unfunded for social workers — from new snow boots, tennis shoes to science fair project supplies.

One year, a tent was purchased for a family to live in during the summer months when they did not have secure housing.

To date, the Petschar family, friends and matching funds from the Boss/Toro Foundation have provided $ 9,615 to local school districts school success programs.

Any family interested in making a difference in this manner can contact Darren Petschar or Tamara Juul of the Dickinson Area Community Foundation to find out the details of how their family handled the logistics of the fund.

To contribute to the fund, send to: Kids in Need fund, DACF, 333 S. Stephenson Ave., Suite 204, Iron Mountain, MI 49801.