Back row, from left to right, UMW students Khushi Constance, Jillian Vargas, Sarah Hybl, Ainsley Lord and Knox McKinley, along with Mary Wash alumna Tamara Garrett ’23, pose with a group of children from Fredericksburg City Public Schools Preschool Program. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
A group of University of Mary Washington students donned elf hats this week for a special holiday delivery.
The COAR (Community Outreach and Resources) staff – and the entire UMW community – spent months filling gift-wrapped shoeboxes with winter hats, school supplies and toys for preschool students. The annual effort produced more than 300 packages specifically for youngsters in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County schools, including students in the Head Start Program, which provides education and resources for eligible children ages 3 to 5.
“It’s heartwarming to see,” Center for Community Engagement Director Sarah Dewees said of the event, which calls on UMW students, faculty, staff and friends to provide supplies and fill boxes. “It kind of brings the campus community together.” Read more.