Members of the Illinois State University community can make a positive impact in the lives of local children with the Holiday Helper program, which currently has sponsorship opportunities available. For over 10 years, students, faculty, and staff have contributed to the annual program, bringing holiday cheer to hundreds of local children through gift donations.
The Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) collaborates closely with local community organizations to identify the families that benefit, gathering the names, ages, and wish lists of children. The information is then compiled in an online platform, where sponsors can select children to support. When shopping for gifts, sponsors typically spend between $60 and $75 per child.
All gifts must be dropped off by November 21. This year, the new drop-off location is at 308 Kingsley St., which also houses University Assessment Services. The Center is proud to partner with five local organizations for 2024: Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington Normal, Unity Community Center, Western Avenue Community Center, YWCA, and the Center for Youth & Family Solutions.
“We always have a high community demand for this program, but we also have many Redbird supporters,” said Afiwa TETE, assistant director of co-curricular programs at CCE. “When we opened the sponsorship system this year, we had 261 children participating and now we are down to 79 children who still need sponsors.”
To become a Holiday Helper, visit the program’s page for more information and to sponsor a child.
Other ways to contribute
CCE traditionally holds a series of wrap and pack parties to organize and wrap the gifts. This year, a major wrapping and packing event will be held on December 3 at the University Assessment Services Building (308 Kingsley St.). Volunteers must register and choose a time slot to participate.
An additional opportunity to get involved is by donating wrapping paper, gift boxes, and tissue paper – all items that will be used for the wrapping of the gifts on December 3. For additional details on how to contribute, visit the Holiday Helper webpage.
