Redbirds can make a positive impact in the community by supporting local children through the Holiday Helper program, which currently has sponsorship opportunities available. For over a decade, Illinois State University students, faculty, and staff have contributed to the annual program, bringing holiday cheer to hundreds of children through gift donations.
The Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) works closely with local community organizations to identify families for the program, gathering the names, ages, and wish lists of children. The information is then compiled in an online platform, where sponsors can select children to shop gifts for. Sponsors typically spend between $60 and $75 per child.
All gifts must be dropped off by November 20 at 308 Kingsley Street in Normal, which also houses University Assessment Services. The CCE is proud to partner with four local organizations in 2025: the Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal, Lifelong Access, YWCA, and Center for Youth & Family Solutions.
“There is always a high demand in the community for this program, but we are fortunate to have so many Redbirds supporters each year,” said Afiwa TETE, assistant director of co-curricular programs at CCE. “When we opened the sponsorship system last month, we had 255 children available to sponsor, and now we have 34 children left. It’s exciting to see campus groups coming together to make sure all kids are sponsored.”
To become a Holiday Helper, visit the program’s page.
Wrap-and-pack events
CCE traditionally holds a series of wrap-and-pack parties to organize and wrap the gifts. This year, a vetting event will be held on December 1 to prepare all gifts for wrapping, with an all-day wrapping and packing event scheduled for the following day, December 2. Both events will take place at the University Assessment Services Building (308 Kingsley Street). Volunteers must register for a time slot to participate.
Another way to get involved is by donating wrapping paper, gift boxes, and tissue paper to wrap the gifts on December 2. For more information on how to contribute, please visit the Holiday Helper webpage.
