By McKENZIE CUNNINGHAM
With Christmas right around the corner, several people on campus and in the community have been spreading the spirit of the season by helping others.
The Tigers4Ever student alumni organization collaborated with local businesses in Hays on the Angel Tree project, ending last week.
The Memorial Union also collaborated with Tigers4Ever, keeping a tree in the Center for Student Involvement in the Union with angels on them for the drop-off location.
The Angel Tree project on campus started with FHSU’s former president, Mirta Martin.
At that time, students asked Martin if there was some sort of project students could do to celebrate her inauguration, which was close to Thanksgiving. With the love of Christmas in mind, they got in contact with Teaming up for Tots.
People in Hays pick up an angel with either a blue or pink tag. They can buy a toy for the child and drop it off at places in Hays, such as Walmart SuperCenter, First Kansas Bank, Maurices or Paisley Pear.
Every child has an angel for a toy as well as an angel for clothing, telling what age they are and what needs they have.
“I personally took an angel for a girl for a gift who was 3 years old and a 14-year-old boy for clothing, which was a nice range to help all ages with a $25 limit,” said Charlene Nichols, assistant program director for the alumni association.
An event on Christmas Day also will provide support for community members who are unable to cook a big holiday meal.
The 10th annual “Coming Together to Celebrate Christ” Christmas dinner will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the VFW Hall, 22nd and Vine, with volunteers welcomed and deliveries available to those in need. For more information, call (785) 259-9735 or email communitychristmasdinner@gmail.com.