West Virginia University students are playing Santas helpers for the annual Students Helping Other People (SHOP) and Toy Mountain programs to benefit disadvantaged children. But they cant do it without the support of WVU and the Morgantown community.

Through early December, WVU s Student Government Association and Student Organization Services are collecting financial donations to sponsor 80-100 kids ages 6-12 from Monongalia County.

WVU student volunteersmembers of the Student Government Association, Greek fraternities and sororities and other campus organizationswill accompany the children to Super Kmart by the Morgantown Mall, where each child can purchase $75 worth of toys and clothes (or presents for mom and dad if they prefer).

This yearsSHOPpingtrip is planned for Saturday, Dec. 8. Students and children will meet at the Mountainlair in the morning. There will be photos with Mountaineer mascot Brady Campbell, and buses will transport everyone to Super Kmart.

Following the trip, WVU students will host a pizza party in theLair.

WVU student and SHOP /Toy Mountain coordinator James Bailey said its a great feeling knowing that youve made a childs holiday season special and encouraged WVU students, faculty and staff to participate.

I think that anyone who decides to get involved, whether making a donation or volunteering, will receive the feeling of warmth that comes with helping kids,he said.SHOP is an amazing program, and when you participate, you get to see the joy that these kids get from receiving the simplest of gifts.

To contribute, send a check payable to SHOP to: SHOP , Student Organization Services, Mountainlair, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 6444, Morgantown, WV 26506 -6444.

Meanwhile, the �€~Lair will again be home to Morgantowns largest mountain of toys in mid-December. WVU faculty, staff and students are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys (valued at $5 or more) at the Student Organization Services office in the �€~Lair.

Students will begin building Toy Mountain Dec. 8 in the food court, with toy donations going to the Salvation Army and Christian Help.