Leah Joyner, Staff Writer
As the holiday season approaches, Wingate University students are gearing up to spread some holiday cheer through participating in a service project. Last Tuesday, students hand wrote letters to soldiers in the military as a part of the sponsored WU Leo Club event.
“Through hosting this event, we hope to spread the appreciation for our troops. Coming from a military family, I witness first hand the sacrifices they made to serve and protect our country. This represents Leo Club’s way of giving thanks,” said senior Kayla Jones.
Of the people who wrote letters in the W. T. Harris Dining Hall, several of them said they had family or friends in the military which made the event even more special and important to them.
“We got 38 letters and although that doesn’t seem like a lot, that represents 38 different individual soldiers or veterans who will be able to get handwritten letters for the holidays. I think any contribution we can make in our community matters, no matter how small.” said Gabrielle Slabaugh, WU Leo Club President.
The importance of volunteering our time and talents not only serves others, but gives volunteers a gift in return by knowing that they made a difference in someone else’s life. A simple handwritten encouraging message can make anyone smile.
“I volunteered for this event to be more active in the Leo Club and to help spread happiness and holiday spirit to people who serve in the military,” said sophomore Leo Club member Kirsten Gade when asked why she volunteered to help with the service project.
For more ways to get involved with the Leo Club, all students are welcome to attend the next meeting held on Nov. 14 at 6:30 in Hayes 202 to share information about diabetes as it is one of the five service areas of the International Lions Club and World Diabetes Day. A special guest speaker will speak about volunteer work at the local hospital.
On Nov. 28th at 6:30pm in Hayes 202, the Leo Club will host a holiday party to celebrate the semester’s successes. Both of these events provide a great opportunity for everyone to participate in Leo Club activities and serve the surrounding community.
Edited by: Brea Childs
Photo Credit: Leah Joyner
Pictured above: (Left to right) Gabrielle Slabaugh, President of Wingate’s Leo Club. Bailey Freeburn is the treasurer
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