Students Give, Help Needy Children and Families

John Jaskilka and Scott Marshall deliver gifts donated by WB students to help brighten a family's Christmas holiday.

In the midst of finals week (Dec. 8-12) and packing to return home for the holidays, many Western Baptist students were also raising money and wrapping Christmas presents. Before classes were out, the students had made deliveries to more than 60 needy local children identified by a local church and the Oregon National Guard.

More than 30 students representing both the WB women's soccer team and the residence halls purchased, wrapped, and made deliveries to children at their homes. Student organizers from all five residence halls had collected over $900 to purchase gifts. With matching funds from student government (Associated Students of Western Baptist College), needy children in the Salem area have received Christmas gifts they may not otherwise have gotten.

ASWBC member Jamie Ruda said it was an amazing opportunity for students to share God's love in a tangible way.

"It's not about the presents or the joy in giving. We're blessed to give up some of our selfishness by giving our own money, buying and delivering these presents--it's awesome," she said. "The kids and families are so appreciative which touched our hearts."

Salem Alliance Church provided the names of children who received the student's gifts. Additionally, the ASWBC also supported a six-person family from Salem's Union Gospel Mission.

While this is the first year the ASWBC has been involved, a men's dorm group, who raised almost $1,000 last year, inspired other students to become more involved this Christmas.

The soccer team raised over $2,700 in donations from their annual Operation Score Goals campaign. Coach Marty Ziesemer said the money included a $500 grant from Wal-Mart.

"We used $1,300 to buy toys and clothing," he said. "We also adopted three Army National Guard families whose dads are deployed in or near Iraq. Plus, we were also able to buy one gift each for about 30 other children from various families. The girls love doing this annual team project because they can reach out and show their love while giving back to others in need."

Ziesemer said the remaining funds raised will be used in 2004 for kids in need of youth scholarships to attend the local Salem United Soccer Club.