For Sandra: Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo, small photo album, purple gloves, JMU scarf, Christmas CDs, candy, 2015 calendar. This is one of the six ornaments hanging on a miniature Christmas tree in the Eastern Mennonite University human resources department before it was claimed. Part of the “Be a Santa to a Senior” project, the ornament represents a Virginia senior who may not have much family or resources this holiday season.
Another local charity supported by the EMU community is the Christmas project of the Rockingham-Harrisonburg Department of Social Services. Area children who lack necessities and Christmas presents are connected with gift sponsors through this program. This year, 42 children will be sponsored thanks to the driving force of senior Natalia Derstine, a member of the Social Work is People club.
Thanks to campus-wide donations, SWIP’s fundraising goal of $1,000 was passed by December 1, allowing the group to sponsor 10 more children than the originally planned 32. Club members gathered together to shop for requests such as clothing, shoes and all manner of paraphernalia from the Disney movie “Frozen,” spending around $30 per child.
“Giving ends up being a blessing to both the giver and the receiver,” says Derstine.
Both SWIP and the human resources department have engaged in these initiatives for the past four years. Be a Santa to a Senior is a state-wide program run by Home Instead Senior Care, which provides in-home companionship and medical assistance to senior citizens. Volunteers deliver collected gifts to those who are lonely and financially challenged. Human resources hung six senior ornaments on their tree this year, all of which were claimed.
The EMU admissions department has collaboratively sponsored one of the seniors for the past four years. “We all have so much,” said Jennifer Bauman, assistant director of admissions. “We have jobs – good jobs, places to stay, roofs over our heads, people to help us – and a lot of people do not.”
This year, the admissions department pitched in for an older woman who desired “just sweat pants and a whisk!” The department often adds simple goodies to their packages, including tissues or soap.
Both Bauman and Derstine agree that these gift drives not only provide an outlet for charity, but also contribute to their own enjoyment of the holidays. So many staff members in the admissions department revel in the spirit that “we listen to Christmas music really early in the office!” says Bauman.
“I know how much I love presents on Christmas morning,” said Derstine. “So to be able to make that possible for children who otherwise may not have gifts on Christmas makes my heart happy!”