Adopting a Holiday Tradition
By: Brian Kendall, Staff Writer
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: News
|
"For most college students this is the age when you stop receiving and you start giving," said Doug Johnson, Rams for Christ campus minister.
On Dec. 7 RFC will be "adopting" a family in need and spending the day with them.
The "Adopt a Family" program consists of gift giving, mentoring and fun.
"There are many families who wouldn't be having Christmas without this," said senior Bridget Soltero, RFC vice president. This year, RFC adopted a family of 8; five children, two parents and a grandfather, all of whom will be the beneficiaries of students putting their faith to practice. According to Johnson, however, it's not just the family who will be benefiting.
"The evening is more about relationships," Johnson said. "It allows the children to interact with students and bless them with positive roles models,"
To help spread Christmas cheer and bring smiles to faces, RFC will be handing out gifts to the children.
"But we don't focus on the material aspect as much as the social aspect," Johnson said. "There's more to this than just giving gifts."
Students will be playing games and entertaining the kids as well as getting to know the parents and making a holiday meal for the whole family. "There won't be as much board-game type of stuff," Johnson said. "We'll have more crazy, nutty stuff."
The gifts and the games are all coming out of the pockets of the students volunteering.
"No matter how much you have, you always have something to give," Johnson said.
For those who can't afford to buy a gift can give in other ways. Students help in wrapping the gifts and all will help by simply attending the occasion.
"Adopt a Family" has become an annual event for RFC. According to Johnson, the program first began when an RFC member recommended a Christmas party, and somebody said "instead of giving to one another, we give to somebody in need."
Since, RFC has been bringing a family a happy Christmas every year.
"It'll be a gift they'll remember for a while," Johnson said.
In addition to adopting a family, the RFC will also be participating in "Blessed To Be A Blessing," a community wide food delivery program with Johnson Street Church of Christ on Dec. 14. All are invited to volunteer and take part in the season for giving.
HOLIDAY HELPERS
Delta Sigma Pi
For those looking to stay fit over the Christmas break, Delta Sigma Pi will be taking part in the annual "Run Run Rudolph" event on Dec. 13. "Run Run Rudolph" is a 2-mile run/walk that takes place on River Drive, where the Christmas Light Parade is held every year. Students and members of the community can run or walk under the beautiful Christmas lights along the river. "Not only is the scenery great, but the view is even better," said Kirby Winchester, a Delta Sigma Pi member.
Honors Student Association
The Honors Student Association is teaming up with Angelo Alive to paint pumpkins this Thursday (Whats the exact date) at the Downtown Art Walk. HSA will be accepting donations for the pumpkins that will be given to Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Kappa Delta Pi
Kappa Delta Pi is participating in the annual "Toys for Tots" drive. There are 2 collection boxes inside the Carr Building. Members will be bringing new or unwrapped toys to their meeting on Dec. 1. "Toys for Tots" is a US Marine Corps-sponsored program that collects toys to be dispersed to children in need.
Be the first to comment on this story