GREENSBORO, N.C. - UNC Greensboro student-athletes will once again be assisting in the WGHP Fox 8 Gifts for Kids Campaign, including accepting donations at the women's basketball game this Tuesday against Charleston Southern and next Monday's men's basketball game against College of Charleston.
The more than 250 student-athletes at UNCG have assisted for more than 15 years with the station's Gifts for Kids holiday drive, collecting both toys and monetary donations for the program. Fox 8 teams up with the Salvation Army to help children throughout the Piedmont Triad to provide Christmas gifts for underprivileged children throughout the region.
This year, Spartan student-athletes will have the theme of "Each one, Give one," hoping to engage as many people as possible to demonstrate a commitment to the surrounding community. UNCG will have collection stations at the women's basketball game on Dec. 1 against Charleston Southern and the men's basketball game on Dec. 7 against College of Charleston. In addition, Spartan student-athletes will also take collections on-campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the university library, Elliot University Center, cafeteria atrium and HHP Building. Various teams will also lend support in the Fox 8 Gifts for Kids warehouse at various times in the upcoming days, usually working the time in around final exam schedules.
"We are proud to continue the tradition of lending support to the Fox 8 Gifts for Kids program," said UNCG Director of Athletics Kim Record. "This is a tradition that spans a number of years and I am so proud of our student athletes. So many of them take the time out of their busy schedules to go out and collect items at various locations and help out behind the scenes at the warehouse to make sure these gifts get into the hands of more than 20,000 children throughout the Piedmont Triad. We are pleased to be able to lend a hand once again this year in this wonderful cause."
Gift ideas should include all ages from infant through 18 years of age. The items can range from simple infant needs like clothes, plush toys and diapers through video games, backpacks and gift certificates for older children. Those making a donation are also welcome to put a note to the families with the gift.
New, unwrapped gifts can be dropped off on any above the UNCG collection dates or at the Fox 8 Studios at 2005 Francis Street in High Point until Tuesday, Dec. 15. Gifts can also be taken to any Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse and North State Communications stores in the Piedmont through Dec. 9. The Salvation Army will pick up the gifts collected from Fox 8 and bring them to their warehouses for distribution to families in need. Anyone needing assistance should contact their local Salvation Army.