Donations sought to help Saint Vincent students deliver kids' holiday wishes

Donations are being accepted to provide holiday gifts to local children as part of a community service project at Saint Vincent College in Unity.

The SVC Wraps for Kids program has provided gifts for more than 1,250 underprivileged children over the past six years, with nearly 300 kids benefiting from last year’s effort.

On Dec. 7, Saint Vincent education students will shop at the local Walmart, fulfilling the wishes of children provided by the Westmoreland County Children’s Bureau.

The students will gather on Dec. 8 at the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve on the college campus to wrap the gifts during an event that features food and door prizes.

Saint Vincent students raise money to cover the cost of the wrapping paper to ensure all available funds go toward gifts. Student and faculty contributions also provide a tin of popcorn and a stuffed stocking for each child.

On average, more than 100 students take part in the two-day event each year.

Funds for purchasing the gifts are provided by the Westmoreland County Children First Fund, obtained through donations from the public. Donations for this year’s event can be made through Nov. 29.

A donation of $60 to $75 is recommended for each child.

To donate, visit westmorelandchildrenfirst.org/saint-vincent-free-gift-service.html or mail donations to the Saint Vincent College Early Childhood Education Club, Attn: Dr. Kathleen Beining, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, Pa. 15650.

For more information, contact Beining, assistant professor of education and club faculty adviser, at Kathleen.beining@stvincent.edu or 724-805-2981.