by Hayley McCullough
Daily Lobo
Students can be Santa Claus for children from low-income families by taking an ornament from a Christmas tree in the SUB.
The ornaments on the Giving Tree give the name of a child and list what he or she wants for Christmas, said student Jenny Shroba, projects director of the ASUNM Community Experience.
The Giving Tree was set up in the SUB Atrium on Monday.
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The Community Experience collaborated with Joy Junction, the Ronald McDonald House, Safe House and A New Day Youth and Family Services for the program.
"We want college students, if they can, to pick up an ornament," Shroba said. "We will redistribute them about a week before Christmas."
Shroba said the UNM community is capable of making a lot of children happy.
"We're a big group," she said. "We're probably the biggest group that can help out massively."
Shroba said it's OK if students can't afford to buy gifts, but they do not need to spend money to donate to the Giving Tree. She said students can donate their old toys.
Student Monica Sandoval, a volunteer with the organization, said children enjoy simple things adults take for granted.
Even just getting a Christmas present makes children excited, said student Aryn Rand, a volunteer with the organization.
"You can be making a kid's day," he said. "Every little kid deserves to have an awesome present under their Christmas tree."
Sandoval said the student organization will buy gifts for children whose names are left on the tree.
"All of the gifts get filled no matter what, but we hope to have everyone donate a little bit," she said.
Shroba said it is important for college students to donate.
"I am sure there was a time in all of our lives when we needed a little help," she said. "So, I think everyone should help when they can."
To donate to the Giving Tree, students can pick up an ornament off the tree and return their unwrapped presents to the ASUNM office until Dec. 7.
