It’s only mid-November, but the spirit of holiday giving is in full swing on the West Virginia University campus.
WVU ’s Student Organization Services is once again teaming up with the Student Government Association (SGA), the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots for the SHOP (Students Helping Other People) and Toy Mountain programs.
“The goal of these programs is to enrich the holiday season for local children who may not have had anything during this time,”said Melanie Cook, assistant dean.
SHOPSHOP , which pairs up WVU students and children, ages 6-12, will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m.-noon.
Buses will provide transportation to Super K-Mart, where children will be treated to a small breakfast before they shop. WVU student chaperones will then help the kids pick out up to $50 in new clothes and toys, and pizza will be provided by Sbarro’s, a corporate partner, after the shopping spree.
“We are in our 18th year of SHOP which was started by an SGA leader,”Cook noted.”Our students love taking children shopping and everyone seems to have a great day.”
Last year, WVU students raised over $5,000 and shopped for 80 local underprivileged children. This year, Student Organizations is asking people to make a $50 donation.
Toy Mountain
Another popular holiday tradition at WVU is Toy Mountain. On Monday, Dec. 8, Student Organizations will begin constructing a”mountain”of toys in the Mountainlair, which will remain on display throughout the week.
Students, faculty, staff and community leaders have been extremely generous in the past (2,200 toys were collected last year) and are encouraged to donate new toys or make financial donations. Student Organizations will also be accepting donations during the Dec. 13 men’s basketball game against Duquesne University at the WVU Coliseum.
At the end of the campaign, students plan to present the toys to West Virginia State Auditor Glen Gainer and WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. The U.S. Marine Corps will then distribute the toys to needy children later in the holiday season.
How to donateIf you would like to make a contribution to these programs, make checks payable to SHOP and send to: SHOP , Student Organization Services, Mountainlair, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 6444, Morgantown, WV 26506 -6444.
For more information, contact Student Organizations at 304-293-4397.