ESU student organizations spread Christmas cheer

Alpha Sigma Alpha members Tracy Vacinek, Emily Bureman, Amanda Anders, and Lisa Stephenson visit with a guest at their Christmas Party they held for Emporia children.

It’s that time of year again when lights are hung and Christmas trees are decorated, yes it’s the time of giving.  This year Emporia State’s organizations are making it a priority to give to others this year.

Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority helped out with Emporia’s Mainstreet and Emporia Public Library’s Breakfast with Santa on December 3. “It was at the public library and people brought their kids to hear Santa read a story. We painted faces and helped with Christmas crafts,” said Mandi Hulme, a member of Sigma Sigma Simga.

A new tradition began with the Center for Student Involvement housing an angel tree from the Salvation Army in the middle of their office.  The tree holds angels (children’s names with their wish lists) on it for student organizations to sponsor.

“They [the Salvation Army] originally brought 23 angels and they were gone within a 2 day time period, so they brought about 20 more.  People have been coming into the office and taking the angels that they want and then they go shopping for the items that the children have put on their list,” said Shane Britt, senior communication major and organizer of the tree.

Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority and Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity are teaming up for their annual Christmas party for local children.  The Salvation Army provides them with a list of children ranging from 5-12 and the fraternity and sorority pitch in to buy them all Christmas presents.  The Christmas party includes snacks, a Christmas movie, opening of presents and of course Santa Claus.

Chi Omega Sorority donated over 40 presents to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for their annual Christmas party.  Gifts bought were for kids ranging from 5 to 17 in age.  Presents included Barbie dolls, dartboards, makeup, sleeping bags, board games, skateboards, etc.  They also picked up an angel from the Christmas tree located in the Memorial Union.  They plan on buying their angel a bike and clothes.

Teachers of Tomorrow and Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraterntiy donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters as well. Both Chi Omega and Alpha Sigma Alpha sororities donated a Christmas tree with assorted decorations to the Flint Hills Mall for a silent auction.  Proceeds from the silent auction went to the organizations charity of choice. 

Beta Lambda Alpha contributes money to buy a llama through The Heifer International Project. “We raise money and then purchase a llama to give to a family in a third world country.  The family is then able to breed it, eat it, use it for transportation, or use its wool for clothing, blankets, etc.,” said Sharla Webb, Beta Lambda Alpha president.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>