The Holiday Sharing Program began in 1991 and connects SU schools and colleges, departments, offices, organizations and individuals with local families in need during the holiday season.
SU’s Holiday Sharing elves are ready to get to work, collecting gifts and food for local families this holiday season.
This year, families were carefully identified through seven Syracuse city schools, the Veterans’ Center and three Syracuse churches. Families are chosen based on their circumstances of the past year, such as job loss, illness or death of a parent/guardian. Families identified are able to participate in the program for one year only.
Once identified, the Holiday Sharing Committee members are tasked with matching families with SU schools, colleges or departments. Each department then shops for holiday gifts for each family member and provides food items for a holiday dinner and items to help stock their pantry. If interested in sponsoring a family, please contact Julie Hughes, jahughes@syr.edu, or visit the Holiday Sharing website at http://undergraduatestudies.syr.edu/holidaysharing.html.
Janet Pandori, Seymour school social worker, said, “You are such a kind and thoughtful group of committed individuals! You give hope to children who often feel no hope, and put the spirit of Christmas in their lives, evidenced in their smiles and laughter! Words are inadequate to convey their joy and our gratitude!”
If you or your department is not interested in sponsoring a family, a pantry drive to help the families is also in full swing. Please call or contact Karen Christensen at 443-3935 or kchriste@syr.edu if you or your group would like to participate.
