HPU Board of Stewards Provides Christmas Gifts for 100 Children
High Point University’s Board of Stewards exceeded its goal to raise more than $10,000 this semester to purchase gifts for 100 children through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. Pictured with a sampling of Angel Tree gifts were Rev. Andria Williamson, left, with Board of Steward members Zaria Owens, Caroline Marchis, Lorisa Klinger, Mia Spies, Benjamin Carver and Rev. Dr. Preston Davis.
HIGH POINT, N.C., Dec. 11, 2024 – High Point University’s Board of Stewards exceeded its goal to raise more than $10,000 this semester to provide Christmas gifts for 100 children through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.
The Board of Stewards is a student leadership group that shapes the spiritual direction of HPU’s Hayworth Chapel, which serves the HPU campus and the High Point community. The 30-member board organized a gift drive and partnered with several campus departments to fulfill wish lists. As part of their annual tradition, board members also shopped for toys, clothes and necessities for children in the High Point community to receive on Christmas.
“This project reminds us what Christmas is all about, God’s love for us,” said Lorisa Klinger, who is president of the Board of Stewards and Chapel Outreach coordinator. “We are so grateful that we got to spread that love to others this holiday season. We also were grateful to have many partnerships on this project this year with individuals from around campus sponsoring children. As Stewards, it is important to us to have a strong relationship with our community, inspiring faith in others and growing alongside one another. It was amazing to see the HPU community come together to help us in our efforts.”
Community outreach is one of the board’s four pillars and is key to its goal of shining God’s love unto others, said Klinger, a junior finance major from Dallas, Pennsylvania.
“The Board of Stewards are servant leaders,” said Rev. Dr. Preston Davis, vice president and minister to the university. “The Salvation Army Angel Tree program will provide gifts and necessities to a little over 600 children in the city of High Point this Christmas. One hundred of those are made possible by the leadership of the Board of Stewards. That’s a huge piece of the giving pie for our community. They exemplify the positive impact our student body has on our city.”
Rev. Andria Williamson, associate chaplain and director of HPU’s Chapel Programs, said students gain an understanding for the needs in their community and beyond by being involved with the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. They also discover ways they can make a positive impact in the world and places they feel called to serve.
“It also helps them develop leadership skills they can apply when addressing a host of global needs,” Williamson said. “It is truly a gift to witness and support students’ growth as they offer their service for the well-being of others in the community.”
The Salvation Army of High Point is deeply grateful for HPU students’ continued commitment to serving the High Point community, said Major Roger Coulson, corps officer.
“This year, their incredible efforts in adopting 100 angels will bring joy to countless children on Christmas morning and provide peace of mind to parents facing the challenge of making the holiday special,” Coulson said. “HPU remains a shining example of hope and generosity in our community.”