Campus community reaches out during the holidays

Sacramento State is reaching out to help this holiday season. The University is home to several on-campus organizations sponsoring charity drives during this season of giving.

Sacramento State’s University Transportation and Parking Services will once again participate in the State Employees Food Drive. In partnership with the California Emergency Foodlink, UTAPS will be accepting food and cash donations for families in need. Donations go toward helping Sacramento food closets in their efforts to provide relief. Drop-off locations are at the information booths on either entrance to campus and at the Transportation and Parking Office in Foley Hall. Bins are also located in several offices and buildings around campus. A full list of drop off locations can be found at www.csus.edu/utaps/news/BoxLocationList2005.xls. To make a cash donation, drop off a check payable to Nancy Fox at the transportation and parking office in Foley Hall or send it to campus zip 6076.

The University Union is once again presenting its popular Giving Tree program. The annual holiday fixture in the Union lobby will be hung with personalized decorations that give the name, age and gender of a child in need. Through Dec. 8 individuals may select an ornament and bring back a gift, which will be presented to the children between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 9 in the Lobby Suite of the Union.

Sacramento State’s Phi Sigma Sigma sorority is helping to sponsor the Winter Warmth Clothing Drive. Donations will help the Sacramento Food Bank assist in keeping families and individuals warm this winter, and many more to come. Clothes donations can be taken to the Phi Sigma Sigma weekly meeting, 7 p.m., Nov. 28 on Monday, in the Hinde Auditorium.

The sorority is also involved with the Cinderella’s Closet outlet in downtown Sacramento. The program is looking for unwanted formal dresses, shoes and accessories for teenage and adolescent girls. The store offers qualified individuals free formal wear to attend school dances, proms and events. Contributions to Cinderella’s Closet can be made through Dec. 2 at the clothing rack by the stairs on the first floor of the University Union, or in person any time at 2220 K St. in Sacramento.

Sigma Omega Nu sorority will also be offering an opportunity to donate to a local charity. The Latina-based organization is partnering with the Moral Values program, a non-profit organization based in Sacramento. The organization helps provide a number of essential services to disadvantaged youth, including providing food on Thanksgiving and holiday toys. Donations can be made at the Sigma Omega Nu bin on the first floor of the University Union. For more information, visit www.mvpsacramento.org/.

— Josh Huggett