11/18/2003

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

SRU ORGANIZATION EXPANDS ANNUAL ‘PROJECT CHRISTMAS ELF’ PROGRAM

          SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The success of the Slippery Rock University Institute for Community, Service-Learning and Nonprofit Leadership “Project Christmas Elf” In Butler County is allowing it to expand this year to Lawrence County so addition needy children can have their holiday wishes fulfilled.

          The program, started in 1989, allows university offices, faculty, staff, students and organizations, as well as community individuals, groups, schools and others to “adopt” a needy child by agreeing to fulfill the child’s Christmas wish list. First names, gender, clothing sizes and other details are provided by the Salvation Army offices in Butler and New Castle.

          Operated for more than decade as a program for Butler County’s needy children, SRU’s recent programming expansion into Lawrence County, including its I Care House and I Care Garden on Court Street, have allowed the Elf Project to expand into New Castle.

          Since its inception, nearly 2,000 have had their holiday’s brightened by the program.

          Anyone interested in becoming involved is asked to call 724-738-2273 for details or “adoption” information.

           A “Gather the Gifts” reception will be held from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m., Dec. 4 at the Russell Wright Alumni House with the collected gifts then delivered to the appropriate Salvation Army for holiday distribution.

PN, WPN, PgN, PR