West Virginia University Student Organization Services is looking for a few good elves to brighten the holidays for needy children in Monongalia County.


The organization is involved in two local projects that provide a shopping excursion and toys for underprivileged kids, and the participation of the WVU and Morgantown communities is vital to the success of both programs, said Melanie Cook, coordinator.

* SHOP (Students Helping Other People)*


For its 18th straight year, Student Organization Services is working with the Salvation Army and Super K-Mart to provide toys and new clothes to disadvantaged children. Organizers are attempting to raise $5,000 to fund a shopping trip for 80 children Saturday, Dec. 7.


To sponsor a child, send a $45 check payable to SHOP to Student Organization Services, Mountainlair, P.O. Box 6444, Morgantown, WV26506 . To volunteer to help on the shopping trip, contact Cook at 293-4397.


ToyMountain


Also in December, Student Organization Services will join forces with the U.S. Marines, Salvation Army and West Virginia auditors office to collect toys for needy children through the ToyMountain program.


WVU students will build a mountain with the toys in the Mountainlair. They will present the toy mountain to the Marines following a brief ceremony at noon Monday, Dec. 9, with WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. and West Virginia Auditor Glen Gainer participating. The Marines will then distribute the toys to needy children in the Morgantown area.


Student Organization Services is accepting donations to purchase the toys. Make checks payable to SHOP and write ToyMountain on the memo line.