For many members of the Keuka College community, performing community service comes naturally.

So, when the opportunity arises to help those in need, these folks respond in a big way, especially at holiday time.

This year, the Keuka community spent much of November collecting clothes, toys and other gifts for the Angel Tree Project, a community service staple and College favorite. Each year, students, staff and faculty select a paper angel from a Christmas tree. The angel contains a child’s age, whether they are male or female, and if they need clothes, a new toy, or both. Those who chose an angel purchase a Christmas gift for that child.

According to Sally Daggett, associate director for the Center for Experiential Learning, members of the College donated generously to the Angel Tree Project this year.

“This year, 44 children (ages four months to 15 years) received gifts from this project,” said Daggett. “The gifts totaled approximately $5,610 and the average cost spent on a child was $125.

“The housekeeping and facilities staffs donated clear trash bags used to carry and organize the gifts,” said Daggett, “and Anita Chirco (professor of communication studies) went above and beyond with this community service project”

Community Service Advocates Laura Williams, Molly Flanagan, Allie Waye-Walker, and Jennifer Bush helped Daggett coordinate the Angel Tree Project “from beginning to end,” said Daggett.

Other students who assisted with the sorting, wrapping, and delivery included: Charlie Engel, Rachael Whitney, Shelby Kielbasa, Nicole Becker, Megan Daly, Kylee Bilodeau, Lacey Lown, Matt Crabb, Meghan Morales, Amy Stroka, Ashley Salois, Jackie Baker, Hannah Blaisdell, Tierney Coyne, Kayla Harder, Katlyn Rosenbauer, David Hull, and Robert Scott Lonie Yates.