HPU’s Board of Stewards Helps Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program and West End Ministries

High Point University’s Board of Stewards raised $10,000 to provide Christmas gifts for 100 children through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. Pictured were board members with Rev. Andria Williamson, associate chaplain and director of HPU’s Chapel Programs, Salvation Army Angel Tree Coordinator Laura Hayden and Rev. Dr. Preston Davis, vice president and minister to the university, holding gifts and standing behind dozens of Santa bags filled with toys, clothing and other gifts to be delivered to families.

HIGH POINT, N.C., Dec. 16, 2025 – High Point University’s Board of Stewards raised $20,000 for local ministries that serve those most in need in the community.

The student leadership group raised $10,000 for West End Ministries, a local nonprofit that assists people in the city, and an additional $10,000 to provide Christmas gifts for 100 children through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. The Salvation Army plans to distribute gifts to families on Dec. 18.

The Board of Stewards shapes the spiritual direction of HPU’s Hayworth Chapel, which serves the campus and the surrounding 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 shopped for toys, clothes and necessities for children in the High Point community to receive on Christmas. They also raised another $10,000 for West End Ministries, collected toiletries for its women’s shelter and helped to organize and stock its food pantry.

“As a group, we really just want to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this community,” said Meredith Day, a senior psychology major from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who is president of the Board of Stewards. “Just being able to give these kids some gifts and necessities for Christmas is all we want to do. Sharing a little bit of the joy of Christmas morning that we have all experienced is important to us.”

The board used a variety of efforts to raise funds to purchase Christmas presents for local children, including making a philanthropy video to show at different church services and designing Christmas cards that they sent to their family and friends.

Rev. Andria Williamson, associate chaplain and director of HPU’s Chapel Programs, said students gain an understanding of some of 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 explore places they feel called to serve.

“Opportunities to serve the local community help students develop critical thinking, leadership and relational skills they can apply when addressing a host of global needs,” Williamson said. “It is always a gift to witness and support students’ growth as they care for and uplift our 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, Salvation Army corps officer.

“With all of the challenges people are facing during this holiday season, it is wonderful to have organizations such as HPU’s Board of Stewards step up to the opportunity of helping others,” Coulson said. “Without these students, Christmas would be a much more difficult time for families as they celebrate during the holiday season. We are so grateful for all that the students do not only for The Salvation Army but for the many groups in the community.”

The Board of Stewards has been assisting West End Ministries for several years, said Brad Bowers, the nonprofit’s executive director.

“They come to get a hands-on experience of volunteering with the ministry and a feel for the many needs that are out in the city,” Bowers said. “Homelessness and food insecurity are two of the biggest problems people face that volunteers get to see every time they come. With our women’s shelter next door, they see the volume of women who are facing homelessness. They also volunteer to help load hundreds of food bags each week. It is truly amazing to see what the HPU Board of Stewards does throughout the year. They are a true example of God’s love for others.”