Student, faculty and staff volunteerism goes the extra mile This fall and throughout the holiday season SUNY Brockport students, faculty and staff have been making a difference on the local scene. The college community contributed more than $70,000 to the State Employees Federated Appeal (SEFA), benefiting charitable organizations throughout the area. Donations included funds raised by the women’s basketball team and gymnastics team. The 22nd annual Holiday Helping Hand drive collected food, clothing, boys and cash for 14 needy area families. Families were chosen from suggestions made by social workers at the Brockport and Holley school districts, the Brockport Child Care Center and personal contacts. The drive is sponsored by the SUNY Brockport College Office Support Advisory Committee. “The Holiday Helping Hand takes up where social agencies and organizations leave off, extending a hand to those in need and being a good neighbor to the greater Brockport community. The College community joins together to help make the season brighter not just for the families who receive the gifts, but also for those who give them,” said Jackie Thomas, Helping Hand committee coordinator. College sports teams pitched in all semester long. Lakeside Hospital in Brockport received a festive holiday touch over the December 5 weekend thanks to members of the varsity football who volunteered their time and energy putting up holiday decorations. Additionally, Fraternities and sororities pitch in, too. “Each SUNY Brockport fraternity and sorority devotes many hours to community service and philanthropic activities each year. Fraternities and sororities are rich with many traditions; involvement in community service and philanthropic activities is one of the most important ones,” said Kim Haines, SUNY Brockport Director of Campus Life. A few of their fall semester efforts include December 24, 2006 |
