By Alexandra Richardson
Staff Writer
Student Activities Council hosted its annual Christmas party for children held by the Exchange Club/Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse Dec. 4 in the Bowld Commons.
The Carl Perkins Center gives aid to families who are referred by the Jackson-Madison County Department of Human Services because of suspicion of or acts of child abuse.
SAC collaborates with the center to provide selected children with Christmas gifts. A department, campus organization, residence hall or even a group of friends can raise $70 to $80 to sponsor a child.
Each group purchased items on a child’s wish list, and on Tuesday, group members spent time with that child at the party, said Celia Leatherwood, sophomore social education major and chairwoman of SAC’s Carl Perkins Christmas Party.
The group enjoyed dinner in Brewer Dining Hall with each child and then went to the Bowld Commons gym, where the children opened gifts and were able to meet Santa.
SAC members also got permission to share the Gospel with the children, so students read the Christmas story during the event.
“It’s a unique opportunity,” Leatherwood said. “We want to show them how they can have eternal happiness because many of them have suffered from abuse.”
She added, “The kids are so loving and thankful towards their sponsors. It is great to see the joy and excitement.”
