Many would say that helping others in need is what the holidays are really all about. With the upcoming holiday season quickly approaching, the College is bringing back the charity program ìSnug in their Bed” for the second year in a row.
Along with United Way, a nationwide organization that funds specific programs that work towards building a united community, the College will participate and donate gently used mattresses, linens, pillows, comforters, sheets and more to local families in need. The United Way of Wayne & Holmes County agency provides specific information to the College about families and their needs this season, and now the College is asking students, student organizations, faculty and the Wooster community to lend a hand in making this yearís charity program a success.
Last year the College was able to provide over 30 beds, mattresses and linens, and this year will be no exception. Carly Jones, Assistant Director of the Office of residence life said, ìRight now, the College is able to supply about 20 beds and mattresses. We have approximately 18 of those beds already being sponsored by various offices, church groups and student organizations.” Last year, many of the beds that were donated came as extras from Residence Halls ó Jones recalls a very positive reaction from the Wooster neighborhood as well
ìWe have had an incredible response from the campus community who have been willing to donate new pillows, comforters, sheets, as well as other fun bedtime add-ons.” The program is looking for new items and any contributions typically come to the Office of Residence Life.
In regards to donations, along with beds, linens, mattresses, pillows and the like, monetary donations are also welcome. All the money collected is then combined towards helping as many families as possible. Additionally, the College is asking for assistance with the delivery of the supplies. ìI would say that the community needs to know that it does not need to be a monetary donation at all ó we need just as much help loading up beds in trucks and delivering them to homes,” said Jones. The Office of Residence Life will also be working with students who wish to stay longer on campus to help out with the delivery process and living accommodations will be resolved.
For those interested, Jones asks that the individual or student organizations† contact her as soon as possible, because the delivery deadline of Dec. 12 and 13 is fast approaching. ìIf an individual or organization is willing to sponsor a full bed, then we ask them to supply new twin sheets, comforter, pillow and anything else that might make it special for the child ó a stuffed animal, bed light, book, toy that relates to the childís interest,” said Jones. Since the College has a list of what each family is in need of, it is imperative that those willing to donate or volunteer their time get in contact with Jones. ìRight now we are most in need of twin mattresses so that we are able to help more families. We have currently a waitlist of families that are requesting beds, and we need mattresses to be able to help them out.”
This program is being brought back this year with an ambition once again making the holiday season a bit brighter for those families in our local community. Along with the donations, each family also receives the beloved book ìThe Night Before Christmas,” from where the title for this program originates. ìI think the main goal of the program is for the College to use its resources ó time, energy and materials to provide warm beds for children during the holiday season.”