UM annual Books and Bears Event.
OXFORD, Miss. – It’s looking a lot more like Christmas for employees in the University of Mississippi’s Facilities Management Department, thanks to the generosity of Ole Miss faculty, staff and alumni.
Smiles abounded in the Gertrude Castellow Ford Ballroom at the Inn at Ole Miss Friday morning (Dec. 18) as members of the Black Faculty and Staff Organization distributed more than 1,000 gifts through its 18th annual Books and Bears program. The items were donated over the past three weeks, and the number of presents given reached a new record.
Reception at the event was contagiously enthusiastic.
Julia Rowsey of Water Valley, attending her first Books and Bears, left with a very special present: the first of 16 bicycles given away during the distribution.
“I’m giving it to my 12-year-old grandson,” Rowsey said. Moments later, her number was called again and she was able to gather a few more items as gifts for other relatives.
“Wow!” she exclaimed. “This is amazing.”
Other employees, many of whom have been coming since the program’s inception, remained hopeful of obtaining one of the highly coveted bicycles as well.
“This event always puts me in the Christmas spirit,” said Marcus Daniels of Oxford, a 10-year worker in Housekeeping. “This year, I’m hoping to win a bicycle for my 6-year-old nephew.”
Oxonian Lakesia Pegues said she always enjoys the annual event.
“Last year, I got a bag full of goodies,” she said. “We all have great fellowship and a really good time.”
Specificity is not a requirement for Rossie Vaughn of Oxford.
“I hope a lot of people get nice gifts for their kids, stuff that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford,” said the 20-year employee. “I’m here to help my friends any way that I can.”
The donations were noticed and greatly appreciated by BFSO officials.
“The thoughtfulness and outpouring of support from the UM family has been nothing short of amazing this year,” said Donald Cole, associate provost and assistant to the chancellor for multicultural affairs. “By helping others, we have truly captured the spirit of the holidays.”
BSFO members expressed pleasure over the assistance in obtaining toys and books for the children.
“Over the years, Books and Bears just keeps growing and growing,” said Jackie Certion, senior academic adviser in the UM College of Liberal Arts. “We outgrew the Union ballroom. Next year, we’ll probably pack out the Jackson Avenue Center. Then it we’ll need the Ford Center and maybe the coliseum after that. Who knows?”
New teddy bears, children’s books and toys have been collected for children of custodial and grounds workers since 1997.