Greeks host Twin Cedars party
Dec. 14 , 2007
LaGrange students Joe Wiegand, far left, and Brittany Hopson decorate Christmas ornaments with two Twin Cedars children. |
The College’s sororities and fraternities joined together Dec. 8 to create some Christmas cheer by hosting a party for the children of Twin Cedars, a nonprofit organization that specializes in the residential treatment of boys and girls who have suffered from sexual abuse, trauma and severe emotional disturbances.
Held in the Pit, the party offered the children food and games as well as the chance to decorate cookies, ornaments and candy canes.
“We just hung out with them, had a good time and ate some food,” said Panhellenic Council President Sarah Holden, the event’s organizer. “We do this each year as a way to reach out to the community.”
According to Sarah, about 30 Greeks participated in the fete that brought 52 children to the Hill.
“The way the kids responded, I believe they had a good time and were appreciative of our efforts,” she said.
Dean of Students Dr. Jack Slay, who’s been involved with the annual event since its inception in 2004, said he’s also appreciative of the Greeks’ efforts.
“This is the fourth year that the Greeks have given their time and energy to hosting a Christmas party for the kids of Twin Cedars,” Dr. Slay said. “The party always falls at the busiest time of the students’ year – always on Reading Day – but I think when the Greeks see how much fun the boys and girls have, it all seems suddenly worthwhile.
“It’s one of the great good things that our Greeks do here at LC – and I’m proud of them and proud to be a part of them in this cause.”
In addition to the food and fun, the Greeks also presented the children with gifts, and in return, the children gave their hosts a gift as well – the chance to step back and take stock in their own lives and count the blessings they have been afforded.
“These kids didn’t grow up with the advantages that some of us had,” Sarah said, “and you realize that the little things that we complain about aren’t that big a deal. These kids don’t live with their parents and often don’t really have much of a family, and it makes you appreciate your family a lot more and appreciate what you have.”
