Christmas Presents for the “Holiday Helper Tree” Due Friday

VALDOSTA - The gracious volunteers who chose a special ornament from the Holiday Helper Tree in the University Union should have their wrapped gifts turned in to the Student Life Office, second floor, University Union, by Friday, Dec. 7.

For the past three weeks, faculty, staff, students and members of the local community have had the opportunity to choose from approximately 80 ornaments, each of which revealed an age, size and a special “wish list” from a girl or boy that may not receive any Christmas presents this year. The Lowndes County Department of Family and Children Services provided the information about kids from unfortunate backgrounds, many of which are in foster care or group homes. Wish lists boasted prize items like bikes, books, clothes and toys that children coveted, yet could not afford.

“For many of the kids, this will be their biggest Christmas, so we encourage people to purchase three to four things from the list,” John Wright, assistant director of Student Life, said. “This is a great way to show the community that VSU really cares about Lowndes County and its citizens.”

Wright said a few ornaments are still left on the tree. While wrapped presents should be turned in by Friday at 3 p.m., last minute volunteers may drop off presents through Monday.

This is the third year that Volunteer Services and the Counseling Center has sponsored the Holiday Helper Tree, and each year has truly benefited the children of Lowndes County. Contact John Wright in Student Affairs at 333-5674 or jowright@valdosta.edu, or Leah McMillan at the Counseling Center at 333-5940 or lcmcmill@valdosta.edu for more information.