Union Christmas events reach out to area children

Union College students and employees are reaching out to area children in the spirit of Christmas.

The college hosted three events last week that brought Christmas cheer to over 200 children in Knox County.

On Dec. 4, Union’s student chapter of the Kentucky Education Association (KEA) hosted its second-annual Christmas Literacy Event.  This year, the KEA group chose to work with teachers at Girdler Elementary. Union education students and faculty delivered new books to over 50 second-graders at Girdler. Santa Claus was on-hand to present each child with three new books.

Donations from Union students and employees helped fund the purchase of the books. 

The same evening, Union’s Common Partners program, an umbrella organization for all community service initiatives at the college, partnered with KCEOC to host the Angel Tree Party.  Union employees and students sponsored children on the Angel Tree, purchasing and wrapping gifts for each child.  At the Angel Tree party on Union’s campus, children and their families enjoyed a meal, had time with Santa and received their gifts.  Over 100 children and their families were involved in the event.

The annual Breakfast with Santa was held on Dec. 5, and more than 50 children came to campus for a free pancake breakfast, Christmas crafts, time with Santa and Christmas gifts.  The event is sponsored each year by Union’s student development staff.

To learn more about Common Partners and community service at Union, visit the college’s Web site at www.unionky.edu.