November 24, 2004

Charity drives ring in the season

Along with finals and graduation, another tradition marks the end of the fall semester at Sacramento State—the chance to join in the spirit of giving as the University holds its annual charity drives, along with a few new ones.

The popular University Transportation and Parking Services food drive will return this year from Nov. 15 through Dec. 17. As in past years, the University will be among more than 100 state agencies expected to participate in the drive.

Donations may be made in food or cash, though cash is preferred as it allows food items to be purchased in bulk. Every dollar contributed will purchase an average of two-and-a-half pounds of food.

Food collection boxes are available at various locations around campus and food may also be dropped off at the two information booths at the north and south entrances to campus or directly to the UTAPS office.

This year a limited number of "2004 Holiday Food Drive" donation bags will be available at the UTAPS donation locations. Donors will be able to visit a location, pick up a bag, fill it and drop it off again at one of the three drop-off stations. The most helpful donation food items are canned food, dried and packaged goods and baby food and formula.

For more information on the UTAPS food drive, and a list of drop-off locations, visit www.csus.edu/utaps.

The University Union is gearing up for the holiday season with its annual Giving Tree Program. The Giving Tree is already fully decorated and on display in the Union through Dec. 17.

This year, the program will again benefit Sunburst Projects, a local non-profit organization that provides support services for children and their families living with HIV/AIDS.

The Union's Giving Tree is decorated with colorful bells, each listing a child's gender, age and gift wish. Individuals or groups may choose a bell from the tree and return an unwrapped gift for the child to the Holiday Giving Party, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Dec. 10 in the Union's Lobby Suite. Gifts may also be turned in to the events services office on the third floor of the Union from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 19 through Dec. 9.

For more information on the Giving Tree Program, contact Bear Williams at 278-3908 or at events.union@csus.edu.

Student-run organizations are also getting into the spirit of the holidays this year. Phi Sigma Sigma sorority will be holding a clothing drive for those in need and the Human Relations Management Association (HRMA) will be collecting new and gently used DVDs for military troops overseas during the holidays. For more information contact Student Activities at 278-6595.

Student leadership organization Green Stings will also be holding a weeklong charity event called "Random Acts of Kindness," or RAK, from Nov. 29 through Dec. 3. RAK kicks off its festivities from noon to 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 29 in the Library Quad. Complimentary hot chocolate will be served and toy donations will be accepted on the opening day. The rest of the week will feature fun and philanthropic activities for the holiday season. For more information contact Associated Students at 278-6784.

Last, but certainly not least, the University Staff Assembly will be doing its part to spread holiday cheer by participating in this year's California Highway Patrol "CHiPs for Kids" toy drive. USA will host its yearly Winter Social and Toy Drive from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 14 in the University Union Ballroom. Members of the campus community are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the free event, which includes a light lunch buffet and beverages. In addition, this year each person who donates a toy will be entered into a special prize drawing.

For more information, visit www.csus.edu/usa or contact Shari Gonzales at gonzaless@csus.edu.

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