Wish upon a giving tree
Students pledge gifts to children
By: Matthew Price, Staff Writer
Issue date: 11/29/07 Section: University
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Sophomore Anika Fisher is getting into the holiday spirit by giving her favorite childhood board game to a child in need.
Fisher picked up a Wishing Tree ornament labeled "board game" Wednesday, and now she plans to give someone the childhood classic Chutes and Ladders.
Each ornament on the tree suggests a different gift to be given to a child who otherwise might not get a present this holiday season.
The Carolina Wishing Tree Foundation has donated toys and other wish-list items to local partners since 2003.
"I remember how exciting it was to open something cool on Christmas morning," Fisher said. "When you take the time to do this, it puts you in the spirit of giving."
While several campus groups are hosting fundraising drives to support charities during the holiday season this year, other groups, such as the senior class marshals, are getting in on the gift giving.
The senior class donated to Operation Christmas Child, a project of the international charity Samaritan's Purse, that sends wrapped gift boxes to children around the world.
"It's the first time we've done something like Operation Christmas Child that I know of," Service Chairwoman Lindsay Mirchin said. "We're normally working on the Habitat house, but this year we're making such good progress that we had more flexibility."
Mirchin said working with a large, established charity allowed the project to begin late in the year.
The marshals contacted Greek organizations and other groups to create shoe boxes of presents. Mirchin said about 10 different groups donated several boxes on the Nov. 14 collection day.
"This time of year, everyone is really busy," Mirchin said. "But when you give a gift that you had to go to the store and pick out, giving becomes more personalized."
A presence at UNC for the past four years, the Carolina Wishing Tree partnered with UNC's chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority Inc., staffing a booth in the Pit.
"When people see the Wishing Tree, they know that Christmas is on the way," said LaToya Evans, co-president of the Carolina Wishing Tree and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha.
Gifts on the tree range from mechanical pencils to Easy-Bake Ovens.
In years past, Evans said the group has donated more than $2,000 worth of gifts to local partners, such as the Hargraves Community Center.
This year's tree will sit in the Pit for four days, compared to the two weeks of previous years.
The tree was supposed to be in the Pit for a full week, but Monday's drizzly weather delayed the group's start.
"We're not trying to donate a million dollars," Evans said, regarding the group's shortened time. "We're trying to give the best we can - and people are always inspired to give."
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
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