Feature Story

December 2, 2010 | By Pam Besel

Stuff a Stocking, Help a Friend

(Photo courtesy of Microsoft)

Helping those in need of assistance is not a new endeavor for members of the OWU community. But it’s always nice to step up those efforts a bit, especially during the holiday season. To help celebrate the spirit of the original St. Nicholas, OWU has created a stocking stuffing contest whereby students are encouraged to gather in groups representing student organizations, Small Living Units, departments and the like, to stuff stockings for their favorite charities. The winners of the “most creatively stuffed” stocking will be presented with $50 to be donated to their designated charity.

“We thought this would be a fun way to celebrate our religious and cultural heritage as we celebrate the holiday season,” says Kelly Adamson ’00, director of Catholic Campus Ministries at OWU. She reports that we now have 10 student groups participating. All stockings will be presented at noon on Monday, December 6 (St. Nicholas’ Feast Day), in the atrium of the Hamilton-Williams Campus Center.

Students are selecting themes for their stockings, and packing them with useful items. All stockings must be delivered to the Chaplain’s Office in the campus center by 10 a.m. on December 6.

“Stockings will be judged by St. Nicholas himself!,” adds Adamson, reflecting on the importance of this new endeavor to many students.

“They talk about how much they miss the ‘getting ready for Christmas’ excitement when they are away from home, and how much fun they now are having, while also giving to others.”