On Monday, Nov. 3, Georgia Southern kicked off the 32nd annual Holiday Helper Tree initiative with music, cookies, and cocoa in the Russell Union Building. 

The tradition, which started in 1994, is an initiative that serves vulnerable populations in Bulloch and Chatham counties by fulfilling holiday requests from community members of all ages for clothes, gifts, and household items. 

Mrs. Eileen Sconyers Smith, co-founder of Holiday Helper Tree and a retired member of the GSU faculty, offered some words at the kickoff, reminding students, faculty, and staff of the opportunity to give back and help others. 

“Remember that there are those out there who don’t have,” Smith said, “and let that be a guide for you.”

Then, Georgia Southern First Lady Dr. Jane Marrero took the podium. The partnership between Holiday Helper Tree and the First Lady of Georgia Southern University is a tradition that began with the Helper Tree’s conception in 1994. 

“It’s a great way to give back to our community and to think about our neighbors,” said Marrero.

Marrero and Smith then led the attendees in a countdown before ending the ceremony with the lighting of the Holiday Helper Tree. 

Interested students and faculty can support the Holiday Helper Tree by scanning the physical QR code found on each of the tree’s ornaments, or by visiting the virtual tree website. With over 600 requests on this year’s tree, there are several opportunities to spread some holiday cheer this season.