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SmallerMUNCIE, Ind.-Bringing holiday joy to underprivileged children has become a personal matter for one Ball State University staff member.
Tiffany Erk, three months away from the birth of her first child, has been working for several weeks on the university's annual Angel Tree program.
Each year Ball State faculty, staff and students select a child's name from an Angel Tree and then provide the youngster with a Christmas present.
"This is a very exciting program to be working on," said Erk, a program assistant for the Office of Leadership and Service Learning. She is assisting students from Student Voluntary Services, sponsor of the Angel Tree program.
"However, sometimes it is very heart wrenching to see all the names on the list," the 24-year-old said. "I am due to deliver on Feb. 26, and it is tough to see two- and three-month old babies needing something at Christmas."
The tree will be on display in the Office of Leadership and Service Learning, located in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center Room 118, through Dec. 2.
Members of the Ball State community may select a name or names from the tree and then purchase a gift. Gifts should cost no more than $25. The university provided gifts for 175 youngsters last year.
The program, now in its 11th year, is made possible through a partnership with the Delaware County Department of Family and Children's Services. The agency provides the university with a list of names of children in need.
"This is one of the most highly anticipated traditions on campus," Erk said. "We have had a lot of calls from people wanting to get involved. There is nothing better than making Christmas a happier occasion for young children."
For more information about the program, contact the Office of Leadership and Service Learning at (765) 285-3476.
Marc Ransford
Tiffany Erk, three months away from the birth of her first child, has been working for several weeks on the university's annual Angel Tree program.
Each year Ball State faculty, staff and students select a child's name from an Angel Tree and then provide the youngster with a Christmas present.
"This is a very exciting program to be working on," said Erk, a program assistant for the Office of Leadership and Service Learning. She is assisting students from Student Voluntary Services, sponsor of the Angel Tree program.
"However, sometimes it is very heart wrenching to see all the names on the list," the 24-year-old said. "I am due to deliver on Feb. 26, and it is tough to see two- and three-month old babies needing something at Christmas."
The tree will be on display in the Office of Leadership and Service Learning, located in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center Room 118, through Dec. 2.
Members of the Ball State community may select a name or names from the tree and then purchase a gift. Gifts should cost no more than $25. The university provided gifts for 175 youngsters last year.
The program, now in its 11th year, is made possible through a partnership with the Delaware County Department of Family and Children's Services. The agency provides the university with a list of names of children in need.
"This is one of the most highly anticipated traditions on campus," Erk said. "We have had a lot of calls from people wanting to get involved. There is nothing better than making Christmas a happier occasion for young children."
For more information about the program, contact the Office of Leadership and Service Learning at (765) 285-3476.
Marc Ransford
