FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, Ind.
(574) 284-4579 (desk)
December 4, 2009 (Notre Dame, Ind.)- The Office for Civic and Social Engagement (OCSE) at Saint Mary’s College is in the midst of its annual Twelve Days of Christmas program, a 12-day effort to provide holiday gifts and necessities to South Bend-area families and individuals in need. The event began on Monday, November 30 and runs through Friday, December 11. Each day, students (and some faculty and staff) do something to bring Christmas joy to the campus and South Bend communities. Events range from a blood drive to Salvation Bell ringing to prayer services and a craft show. Many events, like the craft show, raise money to buy gifts for those in need.
On Saturday, December 5, the media is invited to cover any of three occasions where students are carrying out service projects as part of the Twelve Days program. Students will host holiday activities with the following organizations:
o REAL Services: Saint Mary's students will decorate the homes of four elderly and/or disabled REAL Services clients.
o Healthwin Specialized Care: Residents of Healthwin, 20531 Darden Road in South Bend, will enjoy a holiday party at from 12-2 p.m. hosted by Saint Mary’s students.
o Center for the Homeless: Clients of the Center for the Homeless, 813 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, will attend a Brunch with Santa from 11 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. hosted by Saint Mary’s students.
Saint Mary’s students involved in the Twelve Days of Christmas program say the experience is a lesson in humanity. "Being a part of 12 Days of Christmas is absolutely amazing,” said Alma Bravo ’12 of South Bend. “I am not only a helper, but a witness to the generosity that the Saint Mary’s community shows through the giving of their time, talents, and treasures. Everyone becomes united in a loving and caring spirit. The best part is seeing the happy faces of the families who receive these gifts because you know they are receiving the message that someone cares."
The Twelve Days of Christmas program ends with the Christmas Craft Show in Le Mans Hall on Friday, December 11 from 12-6 p.m. The show raises funds to purchase holiday gifts and food for those in need.
About Saint Mary’s College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women’s institution offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study. Saint Mary’s College has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Saint Mary's College ranks among the nation's top 100 liberal arts colleges in U.S. News & World Report's 2010 annual survey. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.
