{"id":113751,"date":"2022-11-27T12:00:06","date_gmt":"2022-11-27T18:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.olemiss.edu\/?p=113751"},"modified":"2022-11-27T12:24:07","modified_gmt":"2022-11-27T18:24:07","slug":"donations-sought-for-25th-annual-books-and-bears-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/web20.olemiss.edu\/news\/wordpress\/donations-sought-for-25th-annual-books-and-bears-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Donations Sought for 25th Annual Books and Bears Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

OXFORD, Miss. \u2013 The University of Mississippi<\/a> is asking the community to help spread a little joy this holiday season by donating to the 25th annual Books and Bears program. Donations such as toys, books, dolls, bicycles and other children\u2019s play items are being accepted through Dec. 14.<\/p>\n

All donations will be collected and sorted for the main event, which will take place at 9 a.m. Dec. 16 in the Student Union Ballroom. The goal is to honor and recognize the valuable contributions of Facilities Management Department<\/a> employees by giving back during the holiday season.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re looking for new children\u2019s books and toys for children of all ages,\u201d said Lauren Jones, director of inclusion and cultural engagement and co-chair of the Books and Bears Committee.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile we have continued support for numerous campus departments, organizations and individuals, we also welcome public support from the community by donating to any of the listed campus locations, or through monetary donations, which can be made at any Mississippi Federal Credit Union location by mentioning UM Books and Bears.\u201d<\/p>\n

Donald Cole, former assistant provost emeritus and assistant to the chancellor for multicultural affairs emeritus, and Janice Murray, associate dean of liberal arts and professor of art emeritus, organized the first Book and Bears in 1997 in response to a need to help custodial staff provide Christmas gifts to their children. Spread by word-of-mouth, the initial response to the call for donations was overwhelming. Since then, the annual event has been sponsored by the Black Faculty and Staff Organization.<\/p>\n

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

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