On Dec. 2, the school will have its annual tree lighting ceremony from 6:30 to 8 p.m. And this year, students and parents want to light up the lives of local low-income families.

"We are trying to make it more of a community event with an emphasis on giving," Willow Glen Elementary Vice President of Communications Kris Lockley said. "We want to have a way for Willow Glen residents to give back to families in the Willow Glen area."

Sponsored by the Willow Glen Kiwanis Sunrisers, Hewlett Packard, a grant secured by District 6 Councilman Ken Yeager, and Mark McGee of Intero Real Estate, the ceremony has incorporated several ways for residents to give back to the community.

From 5:30 to 8 p.m., a Scholastic Book fair is being held to benefit the elementary school library. Residents may also purchase books at the fair to donate to needy families.

Girl Scout Troop 383 will lead a blanket and coat drive for the San Jose Family Shelter, and Willow Glen Elementary parents and staff are collecting unwrapped toys. Starbucks is also sponsoring a sock drive to benefit Martha's Kitchen.

The proceeds from all of the benefits, except the sock drive, will go directly toward aiding families in the Willow Glen area.

"I don't think people realize how many families who attend local schools are in need," Lockley said.

If all that giving works up an appetite, residents will find a smorgasbord of food selections. Residents can indulge in pizza from Pizza My Heart, coffee from Starbucks and hot chocolate. The proceeds from the food sales will benefit the Willow Glen Community Youth Band, which is composed of fourth- and fifth-grade students from Willow Glen, Schallenberger, Galarza-Hammer and Booksin elementary schools. Willow Glen Elementary Student Council members will also sell baked goods to benefit their playground equipment fund.

The Willow Glen Community Youth Band and local choirs will provide the soundtrack for the ceremony. And for residents who are young or young at heart, Santa will be available for photos.

"This is more than just a tree lighting, but an event for the whole community," Lockley said.

For more information about the event contact Alex Hoppe at 408.219.5717.