December 01, 2003

Holiday season kicks off with charity drives

Along with fall colors and foggy weather, the spirit of holiday giving returns to campus this month.

The annual Transportation and Parking Services food drive goes from Nov. 17 through Dec. 19. The campus has participated in the drive, which includes the cooperation of more than 100 state agencies, for 31 years.

Kendra Hatler, top, and Christine Pomo add stars with the names of children to the Giving Tree in the University Union last Wednesday morning - Photo by Steve McKay

Donations may be made in food or cash. Food collection boxes are distributed throughout campus. Canned food, dried and packaged goods, baby food and baby formula are the most useful donation items.

All cash donations go directly to buy food. No administrative fees are deducted. The scale of the drive allows food to be bought in bulk and as a result each donated dollar purchases an average of two-and-a-half pounds of food.
For more information on the UTAPS food drive, visit www.csus.edu/utaps.

The University Union again shows its holiday spirit with its annual Giving Tree Program. This year’s Giving Tree is on display in the Union’s main lobby from Nov. 19 through Dec. 19.

The Giving Tree program is in cooperation with Sunburst Projects, which offers family-focused support services for children and families living with HIV/AIDS. The Union’s Giving Tree is decorated with stars that each bear a child’s name, age and gift wish.

Groups or individuals may choose a star from the tree and bring the unwrapped gift to the Holiday Giving Party, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12 in the Union’s Lobby Suite. Gifts may also be turned in to the event services office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 19 through Dec. 11 on the third floor of the Union Building.

For more information on the Giving Tree Program, contact Roxann Schmidt at 278-6744.

The University Staff Assembly reaches out to the community with its participation in this year’s California Highway Patrol’s “CHiPs for Kids” toy drive. USA hosts its annual Winter Social and Toy Drive from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11 in the Alumni Center’s Capitol Room.

All members of the campus community are invited to bring an unwrapped toy to the free event, which includes a light buffet and beverages. For more information, visit www.csus.edu/usa.

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