ETSU has kicked off its annual Angel Tree initiative, giving students, faculty and staff the chance to support local children in need this holiday season.
The program, coordinated through Volunteer ETSU and the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement, partners with the Salvation Army to provide gifts for children ages 0-12. Holly Eaves, a graduate assistant with the office, is helping oversee the project for the first time.
“We really want to get people on campus engaged at all levels,” Eaves said. “We receive all the angels through the Salvation Army, and our goal is to have as many students, faculty and staff adopt an angel as possible.”
Participants can select a child’s tag — each listing a want, need and wish — from the decorated Christmas tree located in the Carrier Center. After choosing an angel, donors purchase the items and return them to the Carrier Center, where Volunteer ETSU collects all gifts before delivering them to the Salvation Army.
The turnaround is quick, with donations due by Nov. 18. Donations can be dropped off at the Carrier Center front desk.
Eaves said she is excited to help coordinate the program, noting that the project reminds her of participating in Angel Trees at her church while growing up.
“I have great memories of going with my mom to shop for presents,” she said. “I’m really excited to help support families in Johnson City in the same way.”
Volunteer ETSU is promoting the program through its Instagram account, where updates and reminders will continue throughout the donation period. The initiative remains focused on campus involvement.
For more information, contact dyebs2@etsu.edu.
