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The University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Veteran and Nontraditional Student Center (VNSC) is already embracing the holiday spirit with its annual Giving Tree donation program. The initiative program supports UW-Superior students with children during the holiday season.
A long-standing campus tradition, the Giving Tree has helped provide gifts for many children over the years. This year’s program began Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 11.
“It’s a very big deal,” said Lynn Lowney, VNSC military-connected student program coordinator. “Last year we supported 31 kids, and I’m hoping we get a lot more this year. Why do I have a Christmas tree up in October? To help the children.”
The Giving Tree allows UW-Superior students with children to apply for holiday gifts for each child. Applications include information that helps guide donors’ gift selections. Gifts may be wrapped or unwrapped when families pick them up.
To participate, donors can visit the VNSC and select an ornament from the Giving Tree at the front desk. Each ornament contains information about a child’s gift wishes. Donors then purchase the gift and return it to the VNSC. Staff will wrap gifts if needed and distribute them to families before the holidays.
“I just think the Giving Tree is an exciting opportunity to support your peers, help children and spread a little holiday cheer,” Lowney said.
The deadline to submit a gift application is 4:30 p.m. Nov. 24. Gift donations must be dropped off by 4:30 p.m. Dec. 1. Gift pickup begins at 8 a.m. Dec. 4.