Make the most of the giving season
By President David A. DeCenzo
For the final About U column for the year, I would like to thank all members of the faculty and staff for your hard work and dedication in making this a successful year at Coastal Carolina University.
During this holiday season, I also want to encourage you to take time to remember what makes this season of the year so meaningful and special: the spirit of giving. There are many real needs in our community, and there’s no better way to observe the season than to actively contribute toward meeting those needs.
Right here on campus, our Office of Student Activities is hosting its annual Angel Tree. Coordinated by Phase II, a student Christian organization, the Angel Tree is decorated with cards instead of ornaments. Each card lists the name of a local foster child and information about a gift they would like to have for Christmas. The children were chosen with the assistance of Fostering Hope, a local nonprofit organization that provides resources for area foster programs. The Angel Tree is located in the Lib Jackson Student Center.
Another of our student organizations, S.T.A.R. (Students Taking Active Responsibility), is raising money by offering gift-wrapping services on campus. Half the money raised by the students will be donated to local charities; the other half will fund a trip to the Give Kids the World village in Kissimmee, Fla., a resort for children with life-threatening illnesses, where our S.T.A.R. students will work as volunteers.
Many other local agencies need our assistance—not only money but time as well: shelters and food kitchens such as Street Reach and the Shepherd’s Table, food banks, and many worthwhile charities such as Churches Assisting People (CAP), the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and others.
It’s a universal truth that the act of giving benefits both the receiver and the giver. Giving happiness to others is the best route to true happiness for ourselves—not only in this season but in every season of the year.
Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday.
