November 21, 2000
PROJECT PROVIDES CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO CHILDREN IN NEED
LA CROSSE, Wis.— This holiday season, Viterbo University students are inviting the La Crosse community to join them in "lighting up" the holidays for area children in need.
The Viterbo Residence Life Apartment Staff has paired with Family Resources of La Crosse to sponsor "Community Candles," an opportunity for the people in the La Crosse area to reach out this holiday season to help children in our community who are in need.
Donations in any amount will be accepted, however, for every $15 donation, a "candle" is "lit" in the Viterbo University Student Union, signifying a child in need in our community will receive gifts this Christmas—one they need (such as a jacket) and one they want (such as a book or game).
The paper "candles" will be considered "lit" once they are displayed in the windows of the Viterbo Student Union. The name of the sponsoring group or individual will be written on the candle.
"The holiday season is a time for family, friends, goodwill, and gift-giving. Yet, for many local families, this is not the reality. There are a number of area children who do not receive gifts at Christmas," said Adrienne Appler, Viterbo Residence Life apartment coordinator and director of the Student Union. "That’s why a holiday project like ‘Community Candles’ is so important. It helps all of us share our goodwill and Christmas spirit with those in need."
Donations will be accepted until Wednesday, Dec. 13, and can be placed in the "Community Candles" box in the Viterbo Student Union, 815 Ninth Street South, or mailed to:
Project Community Candles
Viterbo University Student Union
815 9th Street South
La Crosse, WI 54601
Those wishing to donate should place their donations in a sealed envelope along with a separate piece of paper on which is written their name and the name to appear on the "candle" that will be displayed in the Student Union window.
After Dec. 13, Viterbo University Residence Life Apartment Staff will purchase and wrap the gifts which Family Resources will distribute to families in time for Christmas.
For more information, contact Adrienne Appler at 796-3840 or by email at acappler@viterbo.edu.