UMW students and Center for Community Engagement Director Sarah Dewees hand deliver gift boxes to local preschoolers. L-R: Dewees, Sarah Hybl ’25, Emily Thomas ’27 (in front), Emily Helpinstill ’27, Matthew Cabrera ’27, Knox McKinley ’26. Photo by Karen Pearlman.[/caption]
Laughter and shrieks of joy filled Fredericksburg’s Walker-Grant Center this week as preschoolers tore into vividly wrapped gift boxes, revealing colorful hats, gloves and toys featuring their favorite characters – Bluey, Spiderman, Barbie and Hello Kitty among them. “I’ve always wanted this!” exclaimed one child, clutching a toy, while another giggled over their bubblegum-flavored toothpaste.
This scene of holiday cheer was made possible by the University of Mary Washington’s annual gift box drive, organized by Community Outreach and Resources (COAR). The event not only delivered joy to local children, but also provided UMW students with invaluable skills in leadership, teamwork and community engagement. Months of preparation led up to this moment, with UMW students coordinating every detail, from recruiting and organizing donations to wrapping boxes in festive paper. Over 300 gift boxes were filled by the campus community this year and delivered to Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania public schools, benefiting children in Head Start and Virginia Preschool Initiative programs. Each box contained essentials like hats, gloves, toothbrushes and toothpaste, as well as toys and art supplies to brighten the holidays. “The kids just light up when they see Santa and open the gift boxes,” said Megan Dougherty, health and family engagement coordinator for Fredericksburg City Schools. “That’s what makes this one of my favorite programs of the school year.” Read more.