Posted 12/13/2007

Arnold School helps a family have a
memorable holiday season

A Columbia area family is set for a memorable holiday season thanks to the generosity of students, staff and faculty of the Arnold School.

"We were able to get the family's entire wish list," said Christy Smith, student services/graduate admissions coordinator.

Kristi Smith and Lucy Hollingsworth wrap gifts for adopted family

"The boys got bicycles. The girls got cameras. They all got clothes, pajamas and fun items," said Smith. "We collected $415 for Bi Lo gift cards plus donations of $10 and $25 Wal-Mart gift cards and a $25 gas card."

The school posted a holiday gift tree in Smith's office with ornaments containing gift suggestions for particular family members. Many people elected to enhance one gift suggestion with related items, she said.

In addition to digital cameras for the girls, two film cameras were donated. The package containing the cameras also included a gift certificate for film processing at a local drug store. "We put labels all over it saying 'Open this first,' so the family would have photos of the gift opening," Smith said.

For weeks, the school has been collecting money and gifts for a family of six members, consisting of a 39-year-old single mom with two girls, ages 15 and 16 and 3 boys, ages 3, 4 and 22-months.

The Arnold School effort was part of a larger program called Families Helping Families, a partnership organized by the Palmetto Project. Last year, the Families Helping Families Holiday Program helped over 2,400 families have a more joyous holiday season.

"Everyone was very generous, including the Centers, but Exercise Science deserves a special salute," she said.

It took nearly two days to finish wrapping, organize and then deliver the Arnold gifts to the Family Helping Families warehouse. Carefully packed in huge cardboard boxes, the gifts are to be picked up by the family, probably starting next week, Smith said.