posted on 11/29/11
Gallagher Charitable Society Continues Tradition of Giving
With the advent of the Christmas season, Saint Joseph's College's Gallagher Charitable Society (GCS) will host its annual Christmas party for underprivileged children and their families on Saturday, December 3rd at 10:00 am CST in the Halleck Student Center Ballroom on the SJC campus.
Faculty advisor Fr. William Stang, C.PP.S. '72, along with other members of the SJC community, will host a number of activities for those who visit. Children will have the opportunity for photos with Santa, and volunteers will hand out jackets, food, and gifts to those in attendance. A hot meal will be provided as well.
The SJC baseball team, led by head coach Rick O'Dette '99, will play an important role in the event. Players and coaches work as Santa's elves, coordinating games and activities, as well as handing out books, food baskets, and toys. O'Dette has been a participant at the Christmas party since he was a student at SJC, and he cherishes the opportunity to stay involved with GCS and have the support of his players.
"Watching our players interact with the families and help the community is an excellent way for these men to build character," said O'Dette. "This event is the perfect way to show how important it is to give back and help those in need."
This year's event will once again be run by GCS President Juan Rodriguez, a junior Art Education major from Merrillville, Ind.
Members of the community have also made an effort to contribute to the event. The Rensselaer Rotary Club's fourth annual Run/Walk for Warmth drive was held at 24/7 Club Fit in Rensselaer to raise money for coats, hats, and gloves that Rotary will distribute Saturday at the party. Coats, hats, and gloves can be dropped off at several locations throughout Rensselaer, including Hillcrest Family Dental, First Source Asset Advisors, and Randle and Sammons Law Office, or by calling Mindy at 219.866.3036.
For more information, contact Fr. Stang at 219.866.6216 or williams@saintjoe.edu.
Saint Joseph's College, named a "character-building college" by the Templeton Foundation and a "best Midwestern college" by the Princeton Review, is a four-year, Catholic college offering 26 majors, 4 group majors, 28 minors, and 9 pre-professional programs, complemented by the nationally acclaimed Core Program. Founded and sponsored by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, SJC is located in Rensselaer, Indiana, approximately 90 minutes from both Chicago and Indianapolis, on a park-like campus of 180 acres and has an enrollment of 1,100 students.
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