University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s faculty and staff are getting into the holiday spirit with their gift drive, Holidays for Little Huskers. This annual initiative helps brighten the season for children of students at the university. It’s a chance for different departments, including the University Health Center, to connect with families in the community.
Nate Abegglen, a marketing strategist at the Health Center, organizes the donations. “We love supporting families who are part of our campus community,” he said. This year, 92 generous donors contributed 736 gifts for 150 children.
Abegglen has been running this program for years. He sends out a sign-up sheet for gifts, and it fills up quickly each time. “People are eager to see who they’ll be helping,” he shared. The excitement starts early; some staff ask about the event as soon as October.
The spirit of giving is infectious. “As soon as I send out my email, people jump to sign up,” Abegglen noted. Many also want to help with food pantries or sponsor families for Thanksgiving.
Donors often choose popular toys, and some parents also request essentials like winter clothes. Domonique Cudjo, who helps organize the event, sees this same enthusiasm among every donor. “It’s heartwarming to watch how much they want to make the holidays brighter for these families,” she said.
Each donation comes with information about the child and their family, which makes the giving more meaningful. Abegglen shared that one year, they helped the same family twice. “Knowing the stories behind the gifts helps us choose the right items,” he explained.
Cudjo has witnessed firsthand how much this means to student parents. “The gratitude during gift pickup shows how supportive the UNL and Lincoln community is. It reassures families that they are not alone,” she said.
Abegglen and the Health Center team believe giving back is essential. “This initiative helps us connect with the campus community and express our gratitude,” he stated.
The impact of such programs can be profound. According to a recent survey by the National Retail Federation, 70% of people say charitable giving is particularly important during the holiday season, reflecting a nationwide desire to support those in need.
Overall, Holidays for Little Huskers isn’t just about gifts; it’s about building community and sharing joy during a special time of year.
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