Student shopping spree part
of Dec. 6 Santa Bucks event
Santa Bucks expands its reach thanks to influx of new volunteers
Special to the News-Register
On Dec. 6, a popular holiday
tradition will take place from 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m. outside the bookstore at
North Lake College's central campus.
Santa Bucks is a one-day activity
that “can best be described as
part fl ea market and part shopping
spree,” said Catherine Culbert, one
of North Lake's work-study students
assigned to help coordinate
the program.
On Dec. 6, students will present
their student identification number
and sign the roster at the cashier's
station. They will each receive $30
in play money.
Students can then browse
through gently used items and
make “purchases” using their Santa
Bucks.
All items are given away for
free. The play money is used to facilitate
the process.
Some students participate for the
fun of it, others rely on Santa Bucks to meet their family's needs.
Donations are still being collected.
Coats and canned food are
especially popular
items this season.
“These are two
items that we need urgently,”
said Kathleen
Stockmier, student
publications manager
with the Center for
Visual & Performing
Arts. “We have
a growing number of
students in need at
North Lake. Fortunately,
we also have
a lot of generous and
concerned people
here.”
Coats for adults and children of
all ages are needed for North Lake
families. Gift certificates, gently
used clothing, toys and other items
are also welcome from donors.
Despite storeroom contents that
are always expanding, more donations
are needed. “I don't think
people realize that Santa Bucks is
turning into more than a holiday
event,” said Culbert.
Many clubs and associations
are volunteering for the
first time this season and are
continuing a tradition that began
in 2002, when Student
Publications staff launched
the event with members of the
Journalism Club.
As it begins its fifth year, the
Santa Bucks program is poised
for change. The Journalism
Club is prepared to make way
for new spirit and stewardship,
generously provided by student
clubs and honor societies.
To coordinate a donation
to Santa Bucks, call 972-273-3498.
Students who want to volunteer
their time on Dec. 5 or Dec. 6 can
stop by the SPAR office in Room A-
233 or come to Room A-260 to sign
up. Help is needed immediately.
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