Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Faculty, staff and students at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College worked to make the holiday season a little brighter for the less fortunate in the community. As a result, Christmas came early for 235 local children.
The Rowan-Cabarrus student government association brightened the holiday for these children through its annual ěBranches of Hopeî project. Each November, nominations for children are submitted and verified for financial need. Numbered doves are placed on Christmas trees at two Rowan-Cabarrus campuses. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to choose a dove to sponsor a child by buying requested Christmas items. These wish lists included simple items, such as shoes, winter clothes and bicycle helmets.
ěMany less fortunate families in Rowan and Cabarrus Counties will have food and gifts this holiday season, thanks to the college. Iím proud of that and the work we do here,î said Natasha Lipscomb, SGA adviser and director of student life for the college.
Nearly three quarters of the doves were chosen, with 175 being taken. As always, any doves not selected from the tree were sponsored by the SGA. A specific allocation of money is identified each year in the SGA budget for Branches of Hope.
The Early Childhood Development Club also contributed food to the families that received gifts by initiating a food drive. They exceeded their goal by feeding more than 35 families this year.
ěRowan-Cabarrus is proud to help those in need during the holidays and throughout the year. The faculty and staff are very committed to being a vital part of the communities we serve,î said Lipscomb. ěIíd like to thank all who chose doves and everyone who helped with the organization of the project. We look forward to another great year in 2012.î