From left are Lori Blanken, Hercules Johnson and Tasheema Fair.

Students Lighten the Load for Community

Lori Blanken, Hercules Johnson and Tasheema Fair are just three of the several students in Dr. Reiff’s Sociology 251 class who have decided to lighten the load at Christmas for several people in the community.

The class' service project has four fascinating aspects, three of which focus on helping those less fortunate during the holiday season. The angel tree, around which the students are shown, held the names of 10 children who needed to be "adopted" for Christmas. Once the names were chosen by anyone wishing to help, the students began shopping, wrapping presents, and preparing to deliver these presents to children who otherwise might not have a very merry Christmas.

Blanken, a soon-to-be-junior who is involved in the angel tree project, says "I'm excited about it. To be able to help those kids who are less fortunate has taught me not to take things for granted. I want to buy them everything."

In addition to the angel tree, the class has begun collecting food to help ease the load the food banks face in the coming season as well as after the holidays, and many of the students are making "house" calls -- literally. They are out in the community making any repairs necessary for those who need a little help before extremely cold and nasty weather sets in.

In addition to the above three projects, some of the students are working with the adults at Greene County Skills in several facets, including crafts, assisting in any way possible and just being friends to these very special adults.