Chris McCaw (r), representing
the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, presents a $500 check to Peggy
Ellis (l) for the Appalachian State University Staff Council’s
“Give a Child a Christmas” project.
Sigma Phi Epsilon
fraternity is showing their holiday spirit through a donation that
contributes to the annual “Give a Child a Christmas Project.”
This summer, while many Appalachian State University
students were taking classes, working or taking a break from the
hectic life of a college student, members of Sigma Phi Epsilon were
busy trying to figure out how to make a difference in the community.
The fraternity decided to donate money to Appalachian’s
Staff Council, an organization set up to work along with the university’s
administrators to better opportunities for the staff and their families.
“Through donations from members of Sigma
Phi Epsilon, our grandparents and our parents we were able to gather
up about $500,” said Chris M. McCaw, a senior political science
major.
The council
will put the money into their annual “Give a Child a Christmas
Project.”
Former Sigma Phi Epsilon President Justin McCleery and McCaw presented
the $500 donation to the Appalachian State Staff Council Nov. 21.
Every year the council works to collect $1,500 in order that they
may give 84 needy children from different schools in Watauga County
$150 each to buy Christmas presents for themselves.
“Volunteers from Appalachian State are each paired up with
a child that they take shopping for a whole day with this money,”
said Peggy P. Ellis, a staff member in the departments of political
science and criminal justice.
“Members of our executive board decided it would be nice to
find a way to help the families that take a large part in making
Appalachian State a better place for students,” McCaw said.
Staff Council hopes to take 84 children shopping Dec. 19. So far,
almost $6,000 has been collected toward a $10,000 goal.
“It is so exciting that Sigma Phi Epsilon donated this money
because they are the first organization to do so, and it is enough
to send four to five children shopping,” Ellis said.
Anyone interested in contributing to the project can send check
payable to the ASU Staff Council in care of James Hayes, ASU Bookstore,
Boone, NC 28608.
