The holiday season provides numerous options for the campus community to pitch in by providing deserving families with food, toys and other gifts.
Athletics has organized its annual Toys for Tots fund drive for hockey fans attending the Dec. 14 and 15 games against Nebraska-Omaha. Collection boxes for toys and monetary donations will be placed throughout Messa Rink during both games, which begin at 7 p.m.
The Records Department is working again with the Department of Social Services of Schenectady County for the “Adopt-a-Family” program. Last year, more than 100 Union employees provided gifts, non-perishable food items and gift cards to 10 families.
“This [program] provides a great way to buy within your own budget and still make the holidays special for someone in need," said Kathy McCann, director of College Relations data systems, who has organized the drive for several years. “I'm hoping that this year we can make the magic happen again.”
Wrapped gifts should be tagged and dropped off at the Records Office (above Human Resources) at 17 South Lane by Friday, Dec. 14. For information on ages, sizes and needs, contact McCann at (518) 388-6093 or at mccannk@union.edu.
For the third year, the Kenney Community Center is also sponsoring a family through Family and Child Services of Schenectady. The family of 11 needs essentials such as wash cloths, towels, toothbrushes and deodorant. Restaurant gift cards and a prepaid cell phone for emergencies are also requested.
Items can be dropped off at the Kenney Center before 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 17. Gifts will be delivered to the family on Dec. 18th. For more information, contact the Kenney Community Center at (518) 388-6609 or Angela Blair at blaira@union.edu.
And for the 14th year, the Dean of Students Office has teamed up with the local Salvation Army for the "Angel Tree Program.”
Each year, the campus community’s generosity has provided more than 100 toys for area children and families. Donations of new, unwrapped toys should be dropped off at the Dean of Students Office in the Reamer Campus Center, Room 306, by Tuesday, Dec. 11.
For additional information,or to request that a tag be sent to you, contact Kim Puorto at (518) 388-6061 or puortok@union.edu. To contact the Salvation Army’s Schenectady office, call (518) 346-0222.