The Angel Tree at Southern Arkansas University's Department of University Housing is open for sponsors to select angels with the goal this year of making the holiday brighter for more than 200 children and 90 families in Columbia County.
The Angel Tree is located in Room 102 of the SAU Reynolds Center, and gifts are due by 5 p.m. Dec. 14. Angel adoptions will also be available through 8 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Celebration of Lights.
The Angel Tree serves children in need from infancy through high school seniors by providing sponsors with information about each child's age, gender, sizes and gift requests.
It also serves as an engine to the local economy. Estimates show sponsors donate more than $40,000 in clothing, toys and electronics every year.
SAU has held the Angel Tree program since 2008, and through 2013, it was co-coordinated by two student organizations-Lambda Alpha Beta, also known as the Chemistry Club, and Sigma Tau Delta, which is the English Honor Society. For the past four years, it has been headed by the University Housing department. For several years prior to 2008, the Magnolia Housing Authority coordinated the county's Angel Tree efforts.
There are several ways donors can help:
- Become a sponsor. There is no specific amount required to be spent on each child, but $50 is suggested. If sponsoring a family, it is suggested that $50 be spent per child.
Gifts are not required to be wrapped, but donations of wrapping paper are welcome.
- Donate any amount of money and volunteer shoppers will purchase gifts. Even small monetary gifts will support caring for the angels.
- Volunteer. Contact University Housing if you would like to help with this project.
For more information, contact University Housing at 870-235-4047.