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A memorable holiday

The sound of bells filled the winter air as people braved the cold for a good cause with bells tied to their shoelaces and sick children wrote letters to Santa because Bradley University students volunteered to make this a memorable holiday season.

“I think some of my best experiences have been through simple acts of kindness,” said Leila Shamsuddin, a senior elementary education major.  “Everyone can give back during the holiday season simply by donating gifts to children and families in need.  Even the spare change placed in the Salvation Army donation boxes can make a big difference during the holiday season.”

The Bells Rang

Participants wore holiday themed outfits with tiny bells tied to their shoes and completed a 5-kilometer course as Bradley students volunteered during the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis in Peoria.

Shamsuddin and other students created gift bags for participants in this year's run and helped during the morning of the race.

“It was very chilly, but we were bundled up.  We helped set up, clean up and cheer on the runners during the race,” Shamsuddin said.  “It was great to see so many people out to support a good cause.”

Letters to Santa

Children at the Children’s Hospital of Illinois can write a letter to Santa and make cards for family members with the stationery and crayons members of the Bradley Student Council for Exceptional Children (BSCEC) gave them.  Students assembled a packet of coloring pages, word searches, stationery and a bundle of crayons for the children.

“We wanted to make activity packets for the children to enjoy over the holidays.  It helps them stay active and hopefully excited for the holidays,” said Natalie Winter, president of the BSCEC and an elementary education major.  “We want to make a difference in the kids' lives.  This is a small thing but hopefully it will benefit them.”

Students met from 3 to 5 p.m. to organize the gifts during Study Day on Dec. 9, a day when students can prepare for upcoming exams. 

“We played a movie in the background and got lots of volunteers to take a break from studying to help,” Winter said.

Stocking Stuffers

Students volunteered at the Stocking Stuffer Holiday Store at the Northwoods Mall in Peoria where they helped children pick out presents their family members and then wrap them.

At the store, kids shopped for family members with a personal shopper attendant.  Parents provided their children with a list of who to shop for and enough money to purchase gifts. Purchases benefited the Crittenton Centers in Peoria, which offer 24-hour childcare for families in crisis situations, a child development center and family service programs.

Bethany Ridenour, a sophomore majoring in art with a concentration in graphic design, volunteers twice a week at the Crittenton Centers in the crisis nursery and the daycare center.  The children she helps care for expect her to arrive with a lot of energy and be ready to play, she said. 

“The first time I went there to volunteer, two little girls ran up to me and hugged me,” Ridenour said.  “I didn’t know them, but they were excited because they knew I was there to play with them.”

You Can Help

Students are always looking for ways to volunteer. If you know of a volunteer opportunity please email fellowsevp@gmail.com or visit the Fellows’ office in room 20 inside Harper Hall.

“During the holiday season, the needs of the community are most prevalent and people tend to be in the ‘giving spirit,’" said Sara O’Shea, director of the Lewis J. Burger Center for Student Leadership and Public Service.  “All of those factors combined make the holidays a wonderful and easy time to get involved.”