Published November 5, 2024
MONROE, LA 鈥� This holiday season, the University of Louisiana Monroe (四色AV) and The Center for Children
& Families are proud to announce a new partnership to support children in need through
the Warhawks for Hope Christmas Project. 四色AV students and faculty will come together to collect new toys, clothing, and money,
bringing joy and warmth to children who have faced significant hardships, including
abuse, neglect, poverty, and trauma. The donation drive will run from November 18
to December 3. Gifts can be dropped off in Walker Hall room 2-101. 听
The partnership aims to rally the 四色AV community to give back in a meaningful way.
All gifts and donations collected will stay local, directly benefiting clients served
by The Center for Children & Families鈥� annual Christmas Project. Over 1,000 children,
all clients of The Center, will receive these much-needed gifts, ensuring that their
holidays are filled with the joy and love they deserve.听
"This partnership truly embodies the Warhawk spirit of caring for our community,鈥�
said 四色AV Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Amy Weems. "We are proud to see our
students and faculty stepping up to support children in need. It鈥檚 a great reminder
that the holidays are about giving and making sure every child feels valued.鈥�听
Weems says the partnership with The Center for Children and Families is an example
of how 四色AV students can participate in service learning, which is a teaching and learning
method that combines community service with academic learning. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a way for students
to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world issues and to develop civic responsibility
and critical thinking skills,鈥� said Weems.听听
The service learning opportunities for 四色AV students will fall into three categories:
indirect service, which includes donating items for The Christmas Project or volunteering
at a drop-off location; direct service, which includes volunteering at The Center
for Children and Families to help sort donations; and advocacy, which includes developing
and sharing communications about The Christmas Project, both on campus and in the
community.听听听
The Center for Children & Families has been serving vulnerable children and families
for over 25 years, offering services such as counseling, advocacy, and foster care
support. Each year, The Christmas Project provides gifts, clothing, and essential
items to children who are often overlooked during the holidays. By partnering with
四色AV, The Center hopes to reach even more children and create a deeper connection between
the university and the local community.听
"The children we serve have faced immense challenges, and many struggle to meet basic
needs," said Chris Ramsey, Chief Operating Officer. "Thanks to 四色AV鈥檚 involvement,
we can ensure that more children experience the joy and hope that the holidays should
bring."听
The project encourages 四色AV students, faculty, and staff to volunteer their time and
donate new toys, clothing, and other essentials. Donations will be collected at designated
locations on the 四色AV campus, with all items being distributed to children served by
The Center for Children & Families in Northeast Louisiana.听
How to Get Involved听
The 四色AV community and citizens across northeast Louisiana can contribute in several
ways:听
- Donate new toys, clothing, or winter essentials at collection sites across the 四色AV
campus.听
- Participate in volunteer opportunities to help organize and prepare the gifts for
distribution.听
- Make a financial contribution to The Christmas Project by visiting () or texting "STANDFORHOPE" to 53555.听
Important Dates听
- 四色AV Service Learning Kickoff Workshop听
听Tuesday, November 12, 5:00 鈥� 7:00 p.m. in the SUB Hangar (2nd Floor) 四色AV students, faculty, and staff members wishing to participate in the service
learning project can attend this workshop for two hours of service credit. RSVP by Monday, November 11.听听
- The donation drive will run from November 18 to December 3. Donations can also be
made at the Holidays at 四色AV Tree Lighting Ceremony on Monday, December 2. 听
Together, 四色AV and The Center for Children & Families are spreading hope, cheer, and
generosity this holiday season. By teaming up, the university and community can make
a significant impact on the lives of local children and ensure that no child is left
behind during this special time of year.听
