tcnj community service: holiday edition

The 18th annual TCNJ Holiday, one of the College’s largest community service projects, was held on December 7, 2006. The event, sponsored by the Student Government Association, the College Union Board, and the Leadership Development Program, centered on promoting religious and cultural awareness during the holidays while, at the same time, creating and donating holiday crafts for those in need. The night began on the steps of Green Hall with speeches from representatives of various religious and multicultural organizations who spoke about different holidays celebrated around the world.

Following speeches from both President Barbara Gitenstein and Vice President of Student life James Norfleet, Rebbetzin Malka
Dubov from Chabad spoke about Hanukkah; Tom Sales from Catholic Campus Ministries spoke about Christmas; Sharna Scott from the Black Student Union spoke about Kwanzaa; Adrien Ong from the Asian American Association spoke on Pasko and Simban Gabi, Filipino Christmas traditions; Heema Tambakuwala from the Asian American Association spoke on Diwali; Eliana Reyes from Unión Latina spoke about Christmas in Latin America; and Dushka Riaz and Samra Khalid from the Islamic Society spoke about Eid. After Pastor Mike Fisher’s Benediction, Jenna Klubnick sang “Let There Be Peace on Earth” which was followed by the event’s culminating lighting ceremony.

The event then moved to the Brower Student Center, where various organizations donated materials to create crafts which were donated to Triad, Anchor House, Angels Wings, Homefront, Greenwood House, and the senior citizens of Ewing Township.

Gustavo Castillo, Treasurer of Unión Latina said, “We participate in this event because it’s one occasion that we can blend all different cultures and religions while having a good time.”

Musical performances were also provided by the Trentones who sang “Carol of the Bells,” “Faith,” “Stand by Me,” and "Crazy” and Catholic Campus Ministries who performed “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Feliz Navidad,” “Let it Snow,” and “Run, Run Rudolph.” Meanwhile, pictures with Santa were also available for those attending the event.

Following the event, Christine Cullen, president of the Student Government Association said, “We wanted to bring the campus together to share the holiday spirit with the community.”

The following organizations donated crafts:

Alpha Phi Omega
Amnesty International
Asian American Association
Catholic Campus Ministries
Circle K International
Delta Zeta
Delta Phi Epsilon
Future Alumni Association
Gospel Choir
Haitian Student Association
Jewish Student Union
Lambda Theta Alpha
Lambda Theta Phi
Leadership Development Program
Lion’s EMS
Mu Sigma Upsilon
Residence Hall Association
SETA
Sigma Sigma Sigma
Student Government Association
Student Nurses Association
Teachers of Young Children Association
Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority
Theta Phi Alpha
Kappa Delta
Tri-beta Biological Honor Society
Unión Latina
Women in Learning and Leadership
Zeta Tau Alpha
Sigma Pi