BUCKFIELD — Sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders at Buckfield Junior-Senior High School are collecting Christmas gifts for a military family in Oxford County and setting up a Giving Tree where people can leave presents.

“To give presents to a military family is pretty cool,” said seventh-grader Deja Bennett, who helped set up and decorate the tree in a small office near the main entrance. “It’s giving back to people in need.”

Classmate Samantha Burch said, “I thought this was an interesting way to help a family.”

Both girls have or had grandfathers who served in the military. Burch said hers “was proud to have served.”

Math teacher Lindsay Williams is coordinating the effort, which is being headed up by the seventh-grade class. She was given a list of the ages and genders of the four children in the family and items each one may need or want. A list for their parents was also included.

People can choose a tag with an item written on it and bring in the wrapped gift. All contributions should be left at the school by Dec. 12. A list of gifts not filled by then will be compiled so they can be brought to the school.

On Dec. 19, all middle school students will help load the wrapped gifts into a truck for delivery to the family, Williams said.

Williams has coordinated the annual effort for five years, taking over from another teacher who had done it previously.