By Helen Hernandez
Ranger Reporter
Phi Theta Kappa is giving back to Amarillo College students with Project Elf.
Project Elf is designed to provide Christmas gifts to AC students and staff members who may not have the means to purchase toys for their children this holiday season.
‘’We would really like for it to blossom, for it to form and happen yearly,” said Christy Schroeder, Psychology Club president.
“It’s directed to help students in need. This is more designed to help them. The program is to help people in between the gaps.’’
Project Elf was founded by PTK President April Hernandez.
Dr. Brian Farmer, a PTK adviser, said, ‘’PTK has done this on a smaller scale for the members. Our president thought that’s a great idea for our own people, but it would be great for AC, for people who don’t have the means to provide for their children.’’
The Psychology Club, Student Government Association and possibly other clubs will assist PTK with Project Elf.
A few faculty members agreed to give 10 extra credits for gift cards and a few – including Farmer, Dr. Elizabeth Rodriguez and Dr. Deborah Harding – also have agreed to be dunked at a dunking booth.
Recipients of gifts are not limited to AC students. Nominees also can be AC faculty and staff. Students or employees can nominate themselves or someone they know to receive gifts. Project Elf is confidential.
Application forms must be filled out no later than Nov. 1. After the applications have been collected, Hernandez and club members will decide who should receive gifts. Only Hernandez will be allowed to look at names on the forms and contact them personally.
Nominees are selected based on their needs and how many applicants can be helped.
Applicants can choose to have the gifts wrapped or wrap the presents themselves. Clubs that are helping will help assist in delivering presents, or if the applicant wants to pick them up, that also can be arranged. Deliveries will be the week after finals.
The number of students who qualify will determine how much money Project Elf needs to collect and how many families the project will be able to help. It is important that applications are turned in before the deadline to help meet the goal of helping 50 children who will receive at least $100 in gifts from their wish list.
Hernandez said if she sees the look on kids’ eyes light up for Christmas, then she’s done her job.
A Toy Drive is scheduled for Nov. 4-16 in the basement of the College Union Building to help collect toys and gift cards.
Companies such as Walmart, Best Buy, ToysRus and United Supermarkets have agreed to help with donations.
‘’We see our AC students working so hard, we just want to give back,’’ Hernandez said.
Forms can be found in the CUB basement or by contacting Hernandez at ahernandez1330@amarillocollege.com for a form or more information.
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