By Greg Minor
Student Reporter
The holiday season is among us again. Christmas is not only a time to be shared with loved ones, but a giving time of year. Everyone doesn’t get to have the ideal Christmas as others, so organizations around campus step in to spread some holiday cheer.
The men’s basketball team wrapped presents for children of all age groups.
Serving as one of the “secret Santa’s,” Michael Sion, freshman basketball player, said, “I really enjoyed the experience last year. It felt good to help wrap some presents for the kids because a lot of people can’t afford to buy the best for their children, I feel good to be able to do my part to help.”
Giving back to the community is a priority for the Rangers. This event takes place just past the softball field off Goldbug Boulevard. This will be the second time the Rangers participate in this Christmas event. Not only is the men’s basketball team will be out participating in “Toys for Tots”, but the
Art Society’s Holiday Store going to spread holiday spirit throughout the community.
The Art Society hosts its ninth annual Holiday Store event this year. The store will take place on Dec. 15 at 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Ranger Room inside of the student center.
Angelia Case, sponsor, said, “What we do is send letters through the school system to all the elementary kids, so parents at home can explain it. We offer a place where kids can come and shop for their family members, their dogs, and their cats.”
Kids from all over town create a shopping list and a budget upon the event.
Dena Walker, professor of mathematics, greets all of the children and their parents as they enter the front doors. Walker has dressed up over the past 3 years to show her spirit for the holiday. “Just have a good time with the kids and make it fun for them,” Walker said. Students and faculty volunteers escort kids through the store and help them find the special gifts they would like to give to someone they care about for Christmas.
“It more fun watching the kids pick stuff out and having our volunteers help them keep track of their budgets,” Case said. “You see the kids really considering things.”
Although some kids attempt to buy the “hot chocolate slime” for their parents, there are many items available for them to choose from for a reasonable price. The prices vary from 50 cents up to $15.
After the kids are finished shopping, their parents can walk them right next door to take photos with the face of Christmas: Santa. First meeting Santa for some kids can be a challenge but Valarie Case, who is the photographer, helps make them feel more comfortable. “I absolutely love to take pictures of the children when they come in to see Santa Clause,” Valarie Case said.
“Their faces just light up.” Kids of all ages are welcome to get their picture taken with Santa. “At the end of the day on that Saturday, we made a lot of people happy,” Angelia Case said.
For this month, the Art Society also has their campus food pantry going on.
All students and community members are welcome to donate cans and other packaged goods. These donations help those less fortunate during the holidays.
There will be boxes available during the first Friday art walk downtown on Dec.7 from 6-8 p.m. at the Runnymede Hotel and on Dec. 8 at Herod Hall Auditorium at 6:30 p.m.
Although these organizations do their part to help in the community other organizations do their part as well, this is an opportunity for you to spread some goodness during the holiday season.