Instead of rocking around your own Christmas tree this year, students and faculty are invited to stop by the Marriott School of Management's annual Angel Tree and help provide gifts for needy families in Utah County.
"It's an opportunity for Marriott School students to get involved in service during the holiday season," says Bracken Hodges, a MAcc student from Idaho Falls, Idaho, who is co-leading the project. "Not only are students able to serve those who are in need, but they also can network and build relationships with those they volunteer with."
The Angel Tree Service project, sponsored by United Way, will be available until Dec. 10 for students, faculty and staff to choose a tag and help the needy of Utah County.
"With this project, you can see the whole Marriott School come together and be so generous in their donations," says Lauren Timmins, a MAcc student from Sandy, Utah, who has helped with the project for three years. "I have seen many people bring back two and three times the amount of gifts they were asked to buy."
Each child on the tree is provided with two articles of clothing, two toys and a book. The tags contain the child's name, his or her age and a few details about the gift they would like, such as clothing size or a book title. This year, the Marriott School plans to sponsor 145 children — more than ever before — which equates to 725 gifts.
"Even with the economic downturn, people are still very willing to give," Hodges says. "People understand that many kids will go without Christmas if something like this doesn't happen."
People can also donate monetarily or volunteer their time. Volunteer positions are available for one of six different service committees. Some of the committees include running the booth, taking inventory and sorting the gifts received, and delivering the presents to families on Dec. 11.
After the children receive the gifts, many thank you cards are sent in appreciation. "You see firsthand that what you are doing is making a difference," Timmins says. "This type of service project can change your life."
For more information about how to get involved, visit the project's booth on the first floor atrium in the Tanner Building on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or contact Bracken Hodges at taipeihodges@gmail.com.
The Marriott School is located at Brigham Young University, the largest privately owned, church-sponsored university in the United States. The school has nationally recognized programs in accounting, business management, public management, information systems and entrepreneurship. The school's mission is to prepare men and women of faith, character and professional ability for positions of leadership throughout the world. Approximately 3,000 students are enrolled in the Marriott School's graduate and undergraduate programs.
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Writer: Bethany Morgan