University Communications and Marketing

MSUB community spreads holiday cheer

Contacts:

Shayla Fox, Office for Community Involvement, 657-5815

University Relations, 657-2266

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Sometimes, the best gift is the one given instead of received.

The Montana State University Billings community made a huge impact this holiday season by making more than 100 Christmas’s brighter by donating toys to the The Salvation Army- Billings Angel Tree program.

The toy drive received toys from staff, faculty, students, administrators, sports teams and community members, said Office for Community Involvement Volunteer Engagement Coordinator Shayla Fox.

Not only does the annual event help area families during the holidays, the toy drive builds comradery on campus.

“Every year the MSU Billing campus community comes together to make Christmas a brighter place for children in the community,” Fox said. “We see students, faculty, staff, athletic teams, and community members donate each year.”

Last year, 20,000 children were served by the Angel Tree program in the Salvation Army’s Intermountain Region which includes; Colorado, Montana, Utah and Wyoming.

According to the organization’s website it wanted to help at least 25,000 children this holiday season.

Additionally, this year the OCI partnered with TriO, through Student Support Services, and expanded the campus’ Angel Tree efforts to include efforts to help student-parents.

The generosity on campus provided gifts for 47 children whose parents attend MSUB. The Accounting Club also got involved by adopting ten angels and providing wrapping supplies for the gifts provided.

SSS TRIO provides support for students seeking academic development, and assists students with basic college requirements by motivating students toward successful completion of their college careers.