This article is from the EMU News Archive. Current EMU new is available at www.emu.edu/news

Students Bring Cheer to Local Children

EMU social work students Jennifer Erb (l.) and Katie Chaffinch shop for clothing and toys.
Photo by Megan Yoder

Some Eastern Mennonite University social work students have completed a successful Christmas service project that raised more than $1,000 to buy gifts for local children.

The EMU student organization, Social Work is People (SWIP), requested names and "wish lists" of children sponsored for special services by the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Department of Social Services (DSS). Seniors Megan R. Yoder of Perkasie, Pa., and Andrew Intagliata of Phoenix, Ariz., organized this year’s efforts.

Megan Yoder and Andrew Intagliata unload presents to be distributed at the Department of Social Services Christmas party.
Photo by Gretchen Maust

According to Gretchen H. Maust, office coordinator for EMU's social work and sociology department, the students surpassed their original goal of providing gifts for 20 children and asked DSS for an additional 10 names. One group of students shopped for clothing and toys for each child, while others gathered for a wrapping sessions, she said, noting that Yoder and Intagliata delivered the gifts in time for the annual DSS Christmas party held early December.

— article by: Jim Bishop; posted December 14, 2005