Alcorn gives to the community, spreads the holiday spirit
Alcorn State, Miss. (December 19, 2012) – Gratitude is at the heart of every season. And at Alcorn, gratitude and hope has been spread throughout the communities of Lorman, Natchez and Vicksburg. As Alcorn continues its tradition of holiday giving and helping local families in need.
A holly, jolly time was had at the Mississippi State Department of Human Services Jefferson County Division of Family and Children Services in Fayette, Mississippi, when several Alcorn departments purchased presents for needy families and delivered the gifts to 27 children.
“Last year, we decided not to exchange gifts with each other, but instead give back to the community by donating gifts to local children,” explained Laura Drake, bookkeeper for the ASU Foundation, Inc. “It turned out that there were more children in need than our department could handle. We reached out to the Alcorn family – and other departments, including the Office of the President, Institutional Advancement, Media Relations, Athletics, CITS, School of Education and Psychology, Graduate Studies, and Accounts Payable, supported us. Seeing the joy on the faces of the little boys and girls inspired us to make it an annual holiday event.”
Bell Varner-White, area social work supervisor, Mississippi Department of Human Services, exclaimed, “Our center works with many families that need assistance. And we are so thankful to Alcorn employees for their continuous support and for spreading the holiday joy around Fayette.”
The Division of Finance and Administrative Services also worked to spread the holiday spirit by adopting 15 angels from the Vicksburg Warren County Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program.
“It’s our second annual Angel Tree project,” says Tomeka Moore, special assistant to vice president for Fiscal Affairs, who coordinated the project. “Employees in each office of our Division bought gifts for children ages two to 12. We know how meaningful it is for every kid to have presents for the holidays, and we are happy to help those who are less fortunate than us.”
Alcorn School of Business student members of Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business raised money and purchased supplies, educational materials and educational games for the Children’s Home in Natchez. The students also purchased groceries for the Stew Pot, a community food bank for those in need in Natchez.
“Delta Mu Delta students are ambassadors for the University and the School of Business. They are future business leaders who care about our community and their noble actions remind us all that if you have, be sure to help the have-nots,” said Dr. Akash Dania, assistant professor of finance.
Alcorn’s WPRL 91.7 FM Radio Station is wrapping up its second annual toy drive, which was held November 27 through December 20.
“This year’s toy drive has been more successful, more people are participating and we have already collected numerous toys for the kids from Alcorn students and employees,” shared Jerome Myles, Gospel director at the radio station. “We are going to donate the toys to children in Jefferson and Claiborne counties.”
Alcorn State University wishes happy holidays to all, view video.
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Alcorn State University is a premier comprehensive land-grant university that develops diverse students into globally-competitive leaders, and applies scientific research through collaborative partnerships which benefit the surrounding communities, state, nation and world.
