The University’s Residence Hall Association (RHA), Student Activities Board (SAB), and Alpha Xi Delta (AXiD) teamed up for a co-sponsored Holiday Craft Party last Friday, Dec. 5, in Mullaney Hall.
Holiday spirits were high last week as RHA, SAB, and AXiD hosted a holiday-inspired craft event for students to make gifts for themselves, their families, and even a children’s hospital. The event took place from 7 to 10 pm on the first and second floors of Mullaney Hall.
On the first floor, students were able to “stuff and fluff” their own stuffed animals, fill mason jars with the ingredients for different holiday recipes such as cookies, and make street art. Students who made their way upstairs to the second floor participated in the making of crafts such as glass-etching and street signs. All of the materials for the crafts were provided to the students free of charge as long as supplies lasted.
“The ‘stuff and fluff’ was definitely my favorite part,” said Victoria Porter, a junior psychology major and sister of Alpha Xi Delta. “You got to make yourself an animal, dress it, and then you got to do another and donate it to The Children’s Hospital.” Angela Sarno, a junior English education major and sister of Alpha Xi Delta, explained that everyone who participated in the craft night had the option to donate the things they made to The Children’s Hospital. “There were numerous donations that were going to be given to the children there for the holidays,” Sarno said.
The event was co-sponsored by three organizations on campus, SAB, RHA, and AXiD. “Alpha Xi Delta prides itself on working with other organizations on campus and in the Monmouth Community to help them achieve their goals,” said Traci Marren, the advisor for AXiD.
“Working with RHA and SAB was such a privilege,” Porter said. The organizations have been planning the event for weeks. Members of all three groups agreed that the night was a success, as over 200 people attended. “The night went very well,” Sarno said. “So many people attended.”
Chris Carter, a junior business major and SAB’s Travel and Tours Chair, believed that co-sponsoring the event was beneficial. “I loved co-sponsoring with Alpha Xi Delta. It was nice to do an event with Greek life because it brings a new audience,” Carter said. “We had a huge turnout and we pretty much ran out of everything because it was so popular.”
Many of the crafts made during the event were donated to the Children’s Specialized Hospital in Toms River. According to the hospital’s website, hospital serves children affected by brain injury, spinal cord dysfunction and injury, premature birth, autism, developmental delays, and life-changing illnesses. The hospital has 12 sites in the state of New Jersey, and “will treat over 20,000 children with special needs this year,” states childrens-specialized.org.
“There is no better way to end your night than by giving back,” Porter said in regards to the donations to the hospital. “It was great seeing the MU community getting together and doing fun and creative activities.”
Photo Courtesy of Victoria Porter
