A University of Houston-Victoria student hangs an ornament on the 2015 Giving Tree. The UHV Student Government Association is holding a donation drive underneath the 2016 Giving Tree from Monday until Dec. 8.
University of Houston-Victoria Student Government Association members are getting into the spirit of the season by setting up a donation drive for Crossroads families and animals.
The SGA is organizing the 14th annual Giving Tree, a two-week donation campaign that gives UHV students, faculty and staff, and community members the opportunity to give items to local nonprofit organizations. Donations will benefit Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, Dorothy H. O’Connor Pet Adoption Center, Mid-Coast Family Services and the Old Landmark Committee of Victoria.
The Giving Tree donation period begins Monday and runs until Dec. 8. During that time, community members may place unwrapped gifts under the tree in the UHV University Center lobby.
“The Giving Tree is one of my favorite traditions at UHV because it demonstrates what the holiday season is all about,” UHV President Vic Morgan said. “Our students have a lot going on this time of the year, but they still enthusiastically put together this donation drive to help our community. It’s a noble and selfless act.”
Each year, student government members choose area charities to benefit from the Giving Tree, solicit donations and make arrangements to deliver the supplies once the campaign concludes.
“Organizing the Giving Tree often makes students appreciate what they have and gives them a better perspective on life,” said SGA President Megan Huerta. “Sometimes we take things for granted. The Giving Tree helps families that may not even have a lot of household essentials like towels and blankets.”
Devereux’s Victoria treatment facility specializes in treating children and adults experiencing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, developmental and psychiatric disorders. The Dorothy H. O’Connor Pet Adoption Center provides homeless animals a caring environment with the purpose of the adoption of dogs and cats. Mid-Coast Family Services works to eliminate family violence, homelessness and substance abuse. The Old Landmark Committee helps take care of children and the needy, and organizes community celebrations such as Juneteenth, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month.
A list of needed items for each organization will be posted on the SGA website at www.uhv.edu/student-government-association. A flyer with the requested items also will be available in the UHV University Center foyer.
For more information about the Giving Tree, contact the SGA at 361-485-4495 or sga@uhv.edu.