{"id":108640,"date":"2021-11-29T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-29T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.olemiss.edu\/?p=108640"},"modified":"2021-11-29T13:32:07","modified_gmt":"2021-11-29T19:32:07","slug":"donations-sought-for-24th-annual-books-and-bears-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/web20.olemiss.edu\/news\/wordpress\/donations-sought-for-24th-annual-books-and-bears-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Donations Sought for 24th Annual Books and Bears Program"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Books and Bears program is collecting donations for the children of Facilities Management Department employees through Dec. 14. The items will be distributed Dec. 17 in the Student Union Ballroom. Photo by Megan Wolfe\/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services<\/p><\/div>\n

OXFORD, Miss. \u2013 Toys, dolls, bicycles and other children’s play items are being sought for the 24th annual Books and Bears program at the University of Mississippi<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Donations are being accepted through Dec. 14. All donations will be collected and sorted in time for the main event, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 17 in the Student Union Ballroom.<\/p>\n

The goal is to honor and recognize the valuable contributions of Facilities Management Department<\/a> employees by giving back and spreading a bit of joy during the holiday season.<\/p>\n

“We’re especially excited about this year’s event being held in-person,” said Phillis George, chair and interim professor of higher education and co-chair of the Books and Bears Committee. “Due to COVID, we weren’t able to hold an in-person event last year, so we’re truly looking forward to reconnecting with everyone.”<\/p>\n

Books and Bears regularly engages 250-plus Facilities Management employees. The goal is to ensure that each employee gets at least one book, bear and additional toy for their families to enjoy.<\/p>\n

“We are trying to make this the biggest Books and Bears ever,” said EJ Presley, assistant director of career development and committee co-chair. “We want to collect as much as we can.”<\/p>\n

Drop-off locations are:<\/p>\n