The holidays are coming which means it’s time for COAR’s annual gift box drive. Each year we ask students, faculty, and staff to fill boxes full of toys, hats and gloves for children 3-5 years old, for the government-funded Head Start Program. Want to fill a box in the season of giving? Stop by the COAR office (in the basement of Seacobeck at UMW) or email us at coarumw@gmail.com for more information! Keep an eye out for us and pick up some boxes at the Fac/Staff Thanksgiving lunch!

We are accepting the following items for donations:

• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Hat
• Mittens/Gloves
• Scarf
• Small Toys
• Crayons/Markers
• Small Books

**Please do not include any food items, religious items, war related items, or any items not safe for a 3-5 year old child**

DEADLINE for donations and boxes: Dec. 1

COAR is organizing a “pay it forward” awareness week this year for the first time. The goal of pay it forward is to shine a light on random acts of kindness. For one week, we want everyone to be aware of how our actions affect others, and do what we can to pay it forward! As a part of this week, we are organizing a non-profit connection cookout. We have invited leaders from local nonprofits to campus to provide an opportunity to mingle with students, and provide information about opportunities and ways to get involved in the community. This is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in getting into the nonprofit field, as well as a way for aspiring “do-gooders” to get involved. Virginia Organizing, Rappahannock Goodwill, Fredericksburg Area Food Bank, and many others will be joining us on campus Wednesday, March 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. on Ball Circle. Please help us spread the word. We hope to see you there!