McLean County Times

Illinois State University has long valued the concept of instilling civic-mindedness in its students, partly by offering a minor in Civic Engagement and Responsibility.

With the holidays coming up, the university is looking to involve students and staff members in its Holiday Helper program.

“The Holiday Helper program annually provides gifts for hundreds of children in the local community,” the school’s civic engagement website says. “Thanks to the generosity of Illinois State students, faculty, and staff, 322 children were sponsored in 2021!” 

Illinois State would like to build on that number this year as many families are struggling with the post-pandemic era of high inflation that is eating into their disposable income.

The university contacts community organizations to compile a list of names of children and what is on their wish/need list for Christmas. Illinois State students and staff can sponsor one, in which case they’ll shop for a selected child.

Although it seems like Christmas is still a ways off, drop-off dates for the purchased items are right around the corner, with a deadline of Nov. 22. Gifts can be dropped off at the Center for Civic Engagement office, 300 W. North St. in Uptown Normal, or participants can take advantage of curbside drop-off Nov. 17, 18, 21 and 22 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 4 to 5 p.m.

Students who are on a budget themselves can help other ways without having to buy presents with the option of joining the gift-wrapping squad.

Also, the university is extending SOCKtober, a push for people to donate socks, which is one of the items most every child can benefit from. One need not be a student or staff member to participate in this sock drive. Socks are still needed in chidren’s and men’s sizes. They can be dropped off at the office or at a collection spot at Watterson Dining Center.