10/23/2002

Contact: K.E. Schwab  -- 724-738-2199;  e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU’S INSTITUTE FOR COMMUNITY TO AGAIN LEAD ‘PROJECT CHRISTMAS ELF’

SUPPORTING BUTLER COUNTY’S NEEDY CHILDREN DURING HOLIDAYS

          SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Needy children in Butler County will be the focus of Slippery Rock University’s Institute for Community, Service-Learning and Nonprofit Leadership as the campus program again sponsors “Project Christmas Elf” seeking to provide holiday wishes for less-fortunate youngsters.

           This year’s program kicks off Nov. 4, asking campus offices, departments, organizations and individuals as well as those in the Slippery Rock community to “adopt” a needy child by agreeing to provide the child’s Christmas wishes, including clothes and toys. Nearly 2,250 Butler County children have benefited since the program’s 1989 inception, including nearly 250 last year.

           “With the faltering economy, we expect to see more children’s names than ever before,” says Laurel Dagnon, director of programming for the institute. “We know the need is there, and we believe our campus and our community will enthusiastically continue to support this worthwhile project.”

           A reception to gather the gifts for delivery to the Salvation Army, which this year will supply the names of needy  children, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 5 in SRU’s Russell Wright Alumni House. Refreshments and entertainment are planned.

           Those wishing to “adopt” a child, or needing more information, are asked to call 724-738-2273.

 PN, PgN, WPN, PR, PT, S