WSU Helps Families in Need for the Holidays
OGDEN, Utah – As the holiday season approaches, Weber State University is helping ease holiday uncertainties for families in need by partnering with the Community Christmas program, organized by the Ogden-Weber Community Action Partnership (OWCAP).
Community Christmas provides assistance for more than 2,500 children living in poverty in the Weber, Davis and Box Elder areas. Families are selected through a network of partner agencies, schools, churches and other organizations.
“Community Christmas is an amazing event that allows people to come together for the holiday season,” said Hannah Wadsworth, WSUSA Service Team member. “It brings people together to help make sure every family and child has the resources and gifts they need to have an amazing holiday season.”
The Christmas program is made possible through the help of volunteers and community donations. For those interested, donation sign-ups will be open from Nov. 12 through Dec. 7. Donation tags are hanging on the Christmas tree in the Shepherd Union Building or can be found online at bit.ly/WSUChristmas20.
In the past, participants have only been able to pull a gift tag from the tree, but while that is still available, the online option to select gift recipients has been added this year.
“We felt it was important to offer an online option for folks who were not able to visit campus during this time,” said Teresa Martinez, student engagement coordinator in the Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL). “We hope this option allows more of the WSU community to participate in a year when the need is great.”
Participants are encouraged to drop off their unwrapped gifts at the CCEL Office in the Shepherd Union Building Room 324 by Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. Other drop-off locations can be found at communitychristmasut.org.
“Nothing brings the holiday spirit into your life more than being involved in a great event like Community Christmas,” said Tami McBride, Community Christmas executive director. “Seeing the excitement on the faces of the children and the thankfulness of the parents as they pick up their gifts is what this season is all about.”
The Community Christmas program is sponsored by Weber State University, OWCAP, the Ogden School District, Davis Hospital Medical Staff, Lifetime, Inc., Ellis Printing, Associated Foods and Winegars
For more information, contact specialserviceevents@weber.edu.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Shaylee Stevens, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7948 • shayleestevens@weber.edu- Contact:
Teresa Martinez, Center for Community Engaged Learning
801-626-7737 • teresamartinez1@weber.eduHannah Wadsworth, WSUSA Service Team
specialserviceevents@weber.eduTami McBride, Community Christmas Executive Director
801-391-6724 • mcbridetm4@gmail.com