VSU Community Shares Holiday Joy

VALDOSTA -- Thanks to the generosity of Valdosta State University faculty, staff and students, Christmas morning will be a little happier for many local children. For the seventh year, Valdosta State has sponsored a “Holiday Helper Tree” adored with ornaments that identify the wishes of a child.

According to Ann Lacey, director of the Office of Volunteer Services, the university community was extremely generous and 135 local children will receive an array of gifts. The VSU Parents and Families Association, the Student Action Council and Delta Sigma Theta also provided financial assistance and helped collect gifts and coats for the children.

“Everything from bicycles to dolls and electronic games were given,” Lacey said. “It was a heartwarming experience to watch as the bags of presents were delivered to the office. I am very proud of the university community for their kindness and generosity.”

Monique Byrd, a graduate student in Student Affairs, said she enjoyed helping organize this year’s gift collection.

“It’s amazing. Just knowing children who didn’t have hope now have hope that they will have gifts under the tree,” Byrd said. “Every child deserves to have something under the Christmas tree.”

The Office of Volunteer Services and Counseling Center partnered with Lowndes County Child Advocacy Center, Behavioral Health Services, North Point Group Home, and Project Light to identify disadvantaged children in the region. Each ornament listed a child’s age (from infant to 17 years), size, and wish list.