The Spirit of the Season: the MSUCOM Giving Tree 

December 8, 2000

Giving Tree 2000 orgainizer Michelle Kost stands near the tree previously adorned with mittens.

The holidays are a time for giving, and keeping with the spirit of the season, MSUCOM is doing its part by sponsoring a "Giving Tree" for the Lansing Area Salvation Army’s Adopt-A-Family program.

The college’s relationship with the Salvation Army dates back to 1997, and this year, the Giving Tree provides college faculty, students, and staff the opportunity to choose gifts they want to donate to local families. The families write their names, addresses, and requests on mittens that are hung on the Giving Tree, and members of the college select the mittens and match them with the gifts. The requests, made by 125 area children, include toys, learning games, and sports equipment, though the college is also collecting food donations as well.

The program is under new direction this year by Ms. Michelle Kost, a staff member in the Statewide Campus System office. "We are very fortunate because we have always had outstanding participation from our students and staff," Kost says about the program. "Through the gift and food donations the college has helped many families celebrate—instead of dread—the holiday season."

For several years now the program has received generous support from the Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, which has given storage space for the gifts and goods. University Stores has also donated a truck and driver to help deliver the gifts and food.

If you are interested in spreading the spirit of the holidays and making a donation to the Giving Tree, please contact Michelle Kost at 432-2852. Donations are still needed.

By Jillian Fargo