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Happening ... in the Local Church
  Saint
Joseph’s College students read and play games with children attending
the Dec. 1 party. (Photos provided) |
By Caroline B. Mooney
The Catholic Moment
RENSSELAER — More than 200 underprivileged children from 80 families were
treated to gifts, games and food at a Christmas party hosted by the
Gallagher Charitable Society of Saint Joseph’s College.
“The party is a good way to get into the Christmas spirit by giving back to
the community,” said senior Kim Klaus, co-president of the society. “We had
a lot of help this year, and everyone was excited when the day arrived.”
A total of 3,475 cans of food were collected from two elementary schools in
Rensselaer, said senior Maggie Hagenauer, co-president of the society. The
schools also donated books for the party.
“Each family at the party got to take two bags of food home with them,” she
said. “Volunteers divided the books by age groups, and each child received
five to 10 books, as well as a hat, gloves and a toothbrush.”
Father William Stang, CPPS, professor of biology and faculty advisor,
supervised the Dec. 1 event. Klaus and Hagenauer organized the party.
The college’s Education Club helped jumpstart the book drive, and Cup o’
Joe, the on-campus coffeehouse, helped decorate the ballroom and donated
games.
“Father Stang keeps in contact with us, and helps with any questions, but he
lets the students run the party,” Klaus said. “We get donations from the
community — some money and some toys.”
The major funding for the party, which takes place before students leave on
break, is provided annually by the Saint Joseph’s College Student
Association.
The college baseball team donated a lot of time to the day.
“Every year we have roughly 50 players and coaches who help pick up the
canned goods and books from the school, wrap the gifts, and staff the
event,” said Rick O’Dette, head baseball coach. “It’s a great cause and our
guys really enjoy making Christmas special for these children.”
The children made crafts to take home, and got to play games including
checkers, Bozo buckets, and pin-the-nose on the snowman. They were treated
to brunch, pictures with Santa Claus, face painting and coloring.
Santa appeared with his reindeer (costumed baseball players) to hand out new
toys to each child.
Originally started by residents of Gallagher Hall in 1977, the Gallagher
Charitable Society is a volunteer organization that aims to foster a caring
relationship between the college community and city of Rensselaer.