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 Faculty and staff enjoy giving to others By Angela Ashley For several years, SCAD faculty and staff have played Santa for hundreds of children at St. Mary’s Home and Union Mission. This year, more than 130 Secret Santas are purchasing gifts to make the holidays a little brighter for the children at St. Mary’s and Union Mission. “This is my first year participating in Secret Santa,” said Sunny Nelson, assistant director of public information. “I really enjoyed purchasing gifts for my child and look forward to doing this again next year.” In addition to supporting the Secret Santa effort, many departments have elected to do something as a group. For example, for the past five years, the office of financial aid has donated a Christmas tree and toiletry items to Magdalene Project at Union Mission. The human resources department also started a new holiday tradition a couple of years ago. “In the past, our department drew names,” said Lesley Hanak, director of human resources. “Last year, we decided to contact the Safe Shelter for battered women and request a family.” Safe Shelter provides a wish list for each member of the family. Because of their situations, these families are starting over, and the lists consist mostly of household items and clothing. Staff members never get to meet the family. This year, the department is helping two families. “We try our best to purchase every item on the lists,” said Hanak. “We get so excited this time of year and find it very satisfying to know we are helping mothers and their children begin a new, safer life together.” Faculty and staff members who want to help others in individual ways may also wish to become blood donors. The Savannah Community Blood Bank currently has a critical shortage of blood, due both to increased demand and decreased giving. For information about donor center locations and hours, call 355-0271. Ashley is director of communications at SCAD. |
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