Students and staff worked together to feed the hungry this Thanksgiving and are now in partnering with several ministries to bring Christmas gifts to underprivileged children throughout Abilene.
Last year’s Season of Caring surpassed all initial goals even though it was the first ACU event of its kind, said Nancy Coburn, director of service-learning and volunteer resources. She said she believes this year’s initiative is on track to success as well.
Students and faculty volunteered before Thanksgiving break to give provide Christmas gifts for about 60 at-risk kids who live around Abilene. All of the kids “Adopt-An-Angel” opportunity are involved in ACU’s Treadaway program. Those who picked up an angel Christmas ornament will drop off a wrapped clothing item and a toy for their angel this week.
Season of caring is also partnering with Love & Care Ministries’ campaign, “Christmas on the Streets.” The ministry aims to collect 600 toys for children ranging from newborns to 13-year-old kids from low-income families. Thus far, Season of Caring has collected approximately 100 toys. Volunteers will wrap and distribute the gifts Dec. 12-14.
Season of Caring and Love & Care Ministries are also partnering to put on a family portrait event on Saturday. Volunteer photographers will provide families with digital copies, and possibly prints, of their professional photos for the holiday season.
“This is just a way for professional photographers to give back to families who cannot afford to have professional Christmas photographs made of their family,” Coburn said.
Daniel Gomez, senior English major from San Antonio, served as a photographer last year and plans to serve again this year.
“It was amazing to photograph the families who came out,” Gomez said. “I can’t wait until this year’s event.”
Season of Caring kicked off its season Nov. 14. Its initiative has collected non-perishable food donations, gently used clothing and household goods for a program Love & Care Ministries calls “Mission Thanksgiving”.
“Mission Thanksgiving” was the most successful of all 13 years it has existed, said Mark Hewitt, executive director of Love & Care Ministries. Love & Care filled 14 semi-trailers compared to last year’s 11.
ACU supported “Mission Thanksgiving” by collecting donations in a truck parked in front of the Williams Performing Arts Center over four days. ACU students and faculty were able to fill two-thirds of the floor in the truck with donations, which were delivered to Mission Thanksgiving at Arrow Ford a few weeks ago. Volunteers also delivered 57 Thanksgiving meal boxes to families in need with children at Taylor Elementary School.
Season of Caring has a three-pronged strategy – pray, donate, volunteer, Coburn said. For more information on Season of Caring activities, students can visit the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/seasonofcaring or direct questions via email to seasonofcaring@acu.edu.
