The UCA Staff Senate prepares for the annual Angel Bear Tree as the holiday season approaches.

Participants can adopt an angel from the tree, representing a child’s wish or need, and help fulfill it by donating gifts or essential items. 

It typically involves decorating a tree with angel bears that represent the children who are in need.

The Angel Bear Tree event will take place on Nov. 1 in the Ronnie Williams Student Center lobby.

Veneta Fricks, Staff Senate vice president and co-chair of the Angel Bear Tree, said, “The purpose of the Angel Bear initiative is to provide assistance with the holiday season for UCA employees.”

“UCA employees receive gifts for children living in their household who are under the age of 18 years of age,” Fricks said. “Each family has the option to receive a food box to include items for holiday meals and either a ham or turkey, graciously provided by UCA’s Bear Essentials Food Pantry. Items are collected for the food pantry to assist with this initiative during the Winter Feast event for staff and faculty held each December.”

The program encourages students, faculty and staff to donate gifts or supplies to children.

Shalia Delph, assistant to the associate vice president of enrollment management, said, “Typically, there is an average of 50 employees that sign up for the Angel Bear Tree each year. Last year, 2023, we served 47 families, totaling 97 angels.”

The qualifications to be a part of the Angel Bear Tree are family members who live in the same household as the employee.

Fricks said, “To qualify for the Angel Bear Tree initiative, the applicant must be a UCA or Aramark employee. Only immediate family members who live in the same household as the employee will be included. Angels must be under the age of 18 years old.”

Jacob Smith, a sophomore business major, said that donating to children during the holidays is an important thing to do.

“Helping to donate to kids is vital because it directly impacts their future and well-being. Children are the foundation of our communities, and providing them with resources, education, and support fosters their growth and development,” he said. “By donating, we can help ensure that every child has access to essential needs like food, shelter, healthcare, and education, which empower them to reach their full potential. Investing in children today not only changes their lives but also builds a healthier, more prosperous society for tomorrow.”

Fricks said, “Staff Senate Angel Bear Trees will be up and ready by November 1st. The trees will be displayed in the Wingo Hall lobby, HPER lobby, Ronnie Williams Student Center lobby and Torreyson Library lobby.”

Applications are now being accepted until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25.