OXFORD, Miss. – Computer games, a Hannah Montana doll, Army tanks and soldiers, remote control cars, pants, shoesThese items showed up on the Christmas wish lists of nine underprivileged children from four Oxford schools, and thanks to faculty members from the University of Mississippi School of Education, the children know there is a Santa Claus.
Instead of exchanging gifts among themselves, the generous faculty obtained the wish lists and purchased items for each of the children, ranging in age from 3 to 17. The gifts were wrapped and delivered to the students this week.
“As educators, we’re committed to serving the needs of children,” said Tom Burnham, education dean. “Helping these kids to have a brighter Christmas – that’s what the Christmas spirit is all about.”
The children attend Della Davidson Elementary, Oxford Middle School, Oxford Elementary and Oxford High School.
The mother of one child said she was feeling stressed as the holiday season approached, because she knew she couldn’t afford to buy presents. She said she was especially grateful to the UM education faculty for their generosity, a sentiment also echoed by some of the teachers.
“I really appreciate these Ole Miss professors,” said Tara Ross, a Della Davidson counselor. “They have done a wonderful deed for these students.”
Germain McConnell, assistant dean of education, participated in the project. As the gifts were wrapped on Tuesday, McConnell smiled and said, “It’s really beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”