By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org
“It was fantastic,” said Jennifer Stowell, Wyoming’s assistant to the city manager, as she talked about the 2022 Wyoming Gives Back event.
Held at City Hall this year, the event was buzzing with residents and guests dropping off toys for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree, listening to music provided by local students from Godwin Heights and Wyoming Public schools, and visiting with city officials. On hand was the Wyoming Public Safety Chief Kim Koster, Fire Chief Brian Bennett, police officers, firefighters as well as Councilor John Fitzgerald, Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt, newly elected Mayor Kent Vanderwood, and newly elected Councilor Renee Hill.
Stowell said more than 1,200 toys were collected at the event. The event usually averages around 1,000.
“Before the event, we had a person drop off about 100 toys,” Stowell said.
The event wrapped up with the Wyoming High School Jazz Band leading participants outside for a tree lighting ceremony.
City Hall was busy Dec. 2 for the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV) 
The hall of vendors at Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV) 
The Godwin Heights High School Choir opens the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV) 
Newly elected Mayor Kent Vanderwood records a Christmas greeting. (WKTV) 
Residents who donated toys received raffle tickets for prizes at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV) 
A couple of students color pages during the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV) 
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were at the Wyoming Gives Back (WKTV) 
A group of residents record a Christmas Greeting at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV) 
Wyoming Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt (far right) helps hand out prizes at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV) 
Wyoming High School’s Jazz Band at Wyoming Gives Back (WKTV) 
The Wyoming High School Jazz Band closes out the Wyoming Gives Out event. (WKV) 
The Wyoming Fire Department records a Christmas greeting at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV) 
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at the Wyoming Gives Back (WKTV)
