It's the time of year when social service agencies are calling on the public for help in giving to the needy. Richland's Office of Student Life has partnered with the Salvation Army Corporate Angel Tree Program to help with that cause.
Bobbie Harrison, director of the OSL, said Richland has been offering the Angel Tree program at least 15 years. This year the OSL has limited the angels in need to 100.
"We are trying to get a manageable number," Harrison said. "I'm looking at the times and given the economy, we only picked up 100."
Last year the OSL had more than 100, but some weren't adopted.
Harrison said this year they have three categories on the Angel Tree from which to choose: Precious Angels – for youth up to 14; Precious Seniors and Elderberries – both for senior citizens 65 and over.
The difference between the Precious Seniors and the Elderberries, Harrison said, is that the Precious Seniors have a preference as to what gift they would like. The Elderberry tags come from nursing homes and assisted living, so those institutions turn in a generic list.
"It's the first year we've had the Precious Seniors," Harrison said.
If faculty, staff or students would like to pick an Angel off the tree, the process is simple: Pick a tag off the tree. It will include a first name, age, gender and code number, which are critical to ensure the gift will be suitable for the Angel. Some tags will include a need a wish suggestion or specific sizes.
Buy a gift but don't wrap it. Just bring it to the OSL in El Paso Hall, Room E-040. The gift will go into a plastic bag and be taken to a Salvation Army Christmas Distribution Center where they will be distributed to the families in need.
Harrison said out of the 100 tags they started with, about half have already been picked. The deadline for bringing in gifts is Dec. 5. For more information call the OSL at 972-238-6130.
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