For the past 20 years, The Social Work Club has done, in one way or another, “Lighting Up Lives,” a Christmas project in which they donate gifts to the clients of DADS (Department of Aging and Disability Services). DADS is a department targeted primarily for adults who have development delays and nursing homes.

“In the beginning, we purchased gifts for one family,” Melody Loya, Social Work Club sponsor, said. “About 10 years ago, we began buying gifts for DADS, then several years ago, a student came up with the present day ‘Lighting Up Lives’ theme, and it fit perfectly.”

The idea behind it is there are Christmas trees both in the second floor lobby of Old Main and one in the Student Success Center. On the trees there are tags, shaped as Christmas lights, asking for a specific gift. People can choose one and go buy the specified gift on the tag. The gifts must be returned by Dec. 3 for delivery.

“The tree is a wonderful tradition for the Social Work Club, with your help we will be able to provide to the elderly and disabled adults with a special gift for the holiday,” Marsha Fowler, junior Social Work major said. “Most of them do not have anyone in their lives anymore so this will be the only gift they receive.”

“Many of the ornaments ask for something small such as a pair of socks, picture frames and DVD’s,” Tiffani Garcia, senior Sports and Exercise Science major, said. “Some can choose to take one of the ornaments asking for a small gift and for those college students who are cash-strapped, someone can volunteer their time.”