Students Help Spread Christmas Cheer for Families in Need
December 13, 2010
A group of students and faculty members volunteered at City Mission Society of Boston on Saturday, December 11th for the organization's "Christmas Shop," which collects gifts to donate to needy families and individuals during the holiday season. The volunteer opportunity was organized by the Department of Management and Economics in collaboration with Campus Ministry and the Jean Yawkey Center for Community Leadership as part of the College's "12 Days of Christmas" celebration.
The Emmanuel contingent had a great time working with the program. The Christmas Shop event will assist more than 3,000 individuals and families this year. Students packed clothing and gifts to be sent to the Pilgrim Homeless Shelter in Dorchester, made new fleece scarves for gift recipients and filled numerous wish lists for local families in need.
"I think it was great to see all the items that will please so many children and families come this holiday season," said Andrew Lekousi '12. "There are so many underprivileged families out there it feels good to help a small percentage of them."
"Just seeing the names of families in need and the simple things they were looking for to keep warm this winter warmed my heart," said Megan McDade '11. "Too often we underestimate the power of a smile or a gesture like taking a few hours out of your day to help someone less fortunate than us."
According to Visiting Professor of Economics Rebecca Moryl, who initiated the outing, the event was part of the management department's efforts to increase both faculty and student engagement in the Greater Boston community. Associate Professor of Management Mirtha Crisóstomo's service-learning course is looking to collaborate with the organization next semester and the department is hoping to host another event with City Mission Society in the spring as well.
