Holiday tree lighting to support campus charities
NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY PHOTO
he Horace Mann Laboratory School Bearcat Choir sings during last year’s Holiday Tree Lighting on the campus of Northwest Missouri State University. This year’s twilight gathering will begin at 5:15 p.m. Thursday on the lawn of the Thomas Gaunt House.
MARYVILLE, Mo. — Northwest Missouri State University will mark the start of the holiday season Thursday during the ninth annual Holiday Tree Lighting on the lawn of the Thomas Gaunt House.
The public event, hosted by President John Jasinski and family, is to begin at 5:15 p.m. Bobby Bearcat will be on hand to pose for photographs with those in attendance.
Scheduled speakers include Jasinski, Maryville Mayor Jason McDowell and the Rev. Jason Hawk of the Campus Ministerial Alliance. Music will be provided by the Horace Mann Laboratory School Bearcat Choir and the Northwest Spirit and Truth Gospel Choir.
The Jasinski family has selected the university’s Pay It Forward Fund and campus food pantry as this year’s tree lighting charities. Donations will be accepted during the event.
Cash and in-kind gifts also will be accepted through Nov. 30 at the Office of University Marketing and Communication, located on the second floor of the Administration Building.
The Pay It Forward Fund, administered through the Office of Student Affairs, provides assistance to Northwest students who are struggling financially and need help paying for supplemental textbooks and course supplies, unexpected medical costs, tuition, emergency transportation and other expenses.
Similarly, the pantry provides foodstuffs at no cost to students unable to afford nutritious meals.
Current pantry needs include: protein items, such as peanut butter, canned chicken and canned tuna; fruit cups, canned fruit and jelly or jam; cereal, oatmeal, ramen noodles, pasta, cereal bars, granola bars, pancake mix and syrup; complete boxed and canned meals and mixes, including spaghetti and sauce and chicken and tuna casseroles; non-perishable crackers, fruit snacks, nuts, chips and cookies; can openers; personal hygiene items, including toilet paper, facial tissue; shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, tampons and razors.
