Students Are Seeking "Helping Hands"

A group of Ithaca College students is asking members of the College community to lend a hand for underprivileged children during the upcoming holiday season. The "Helping Hands" project is raising funds to hold a party for the children on campus on December 5, at which they will be treated to gifts, games, and entertainment.

"We raise the money by selling cut-out paper hands for $1.00 each," says junior Jeff Miller, who is organizing the party in conjunction with the College’s Community Service Network. "People who buy a hand write a holiday message on it to a family member or friend, and they can decorate the hand if they want. All of the hands will be placed prominently in the snack bar area of the Campus Center so others can see the holiday messages."

Miller says the project has received excellent support from individuals, organizations, and businesses both on- and off-campus. In addition to the funds to purchase gifts, the group has been seeking donations of goods and materials to help make the party a special one for those who are less fortunate. He notes that it isn’t only the children who benefit.

"Putting this event together will help bring students closer to one another as well," says Miller. "To see 50 or more students gather together to laugh, cry, and sing while decorating a gloomy room and making it into a beautiful holiday setting is heartwarming."

"Helping Hands" will be available for purchase in the Campus Center during November and at the beginning of December. For more information, contact Jeff Miller at (607) 277-4297 or jmiller7@ic3.ithaca.edu.