Holiday Helper Project Celebrates the Gift of Giving

VALDOSTA – Valdosta State University’s Volunteer Services asks students, faculty and staff to remember the gift of giving this holiday season with their eighth annual Holiday Helper Program.

Volunteer Services works with the Children’s Advocacy Center and Project Light to bring toys and clothing to local children who otherwise may not receive anything for Christmas. These groups compile wish lists for the children in their agency and Volunteer Services writes these lists on ornaments.

Anyone who is interested in helping local children for the holidays can go to the Student Life Office on the third floor of the Student Union and select a wish list ornament from the Holiday Helper Tree. The unwrapped gifts must be returned to the Student Life Office no later than Dec. 6.

“This program is so important because it is easy to get wrapped up in wanting big, expensive gifts for ourselves during the holidays but we sometimes forget there are children right here in our community who only want something as simple as a t-shirt and a toy truck,” said Brian Roberts, Assistant Director of Student Life and project manager.

Student, faculty and staff groups including student organizations and offices on campus are encouraged to “adopt” a wish list.

Contact Brian Roberts at bjrobert@valdosta.edu or 229-333-2157 for more information.

Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities.

The story above demonstrates VSU's commitment to meeting the following goals:

Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.

Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/planning/strategic-plan.php to learn more.