ASUletide Giving Helps Brighten Holidays for Deserving Families
By Hazel Scott/ASU
In the midst of an unprecedented year, Alabama State University’s campus family joined together once again to make the holidays brighter for local deserving families.
On Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020, the magic of Christmas filled the air during the University’s 10th annual ASUletide Giving. The event was a little different this year. Instead of collecting food, individuals and departments shared the spirit of giving by adopting children through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program.
More than 50 children representing 22 families received toys, clothing and other requested gifts through ASUletide Giving, one of the many CommUniversity events ASU sponsored during 2020.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Salvation Army this year for ASUletide Giving. We wanted to continue our efforts to spread the holiday cheer in our community,” said President Quinton T. Ross Jr. “The University is very excited about the opportunity to share in the spirit of giving as it continues to celebrate ‘CommUniversity.’"
This year’s event was held in front of the John Garrick Hardy Student Center and was staged to provide for adherence to COVID-safety protocols including wearing masks and social distancing.
“We had to find a safe way to distribute the gifts while still giving the University’s employees the opportunity to greet the families,” said Kenneth Waters, ASU’s CommUniversity Coordinator. “We have some staff members who have participated in ASUletide Giving since it began 10 years ago. It is an event that we all enjoy, and we could not let the pandemic prevent us from being able to celebrate these families this year.”
The Christmas Spirit overflowed as families received bags and boxes full of practical and fun gifts.
“We wanted to make sure that these children wake up Christmas morning with smiles on their faces. I feel that we weren’t just packing up toys and clothing: We’re boxing up happiness,” Ross said.
Waters said ASUletide has touched the lives of nearly 1,000 families since its inception; and in previous years, the University has distributed more than 40,000 pounds of food.
“Service to the community is a cornerstone of ASU’s mission. We reach out in so many ways as a campus family throughout the year. We are extremely proud of the impact that we are able to make, particularly through ASUletide Giving,” Waters added.
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