December 19, 2024
Pearl River Community College students in the Dr. William Lewis Honors Institute found a way to make a difference this holiday season through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.
“The idea to participate in the Angel Tree program originated during an Honors Council meeting where we were brainstorming meaningful ways to give back to the community before Christmas break,” said Kenzie Beliveau, a sophomore from Petal who attends the Forrest County Campus.
“Several ideas were proposed, but the one that resonated most with everyone was the Angel Tree,” she said.
The Angel Tree program aims to provide new toys, clothing, and other gifts to children in need during the Christmas season.
According to Dr. Ryan Ruckel, Dean of the Honors Institute – Forrest County Campus, the Honors Council organized the project and the school’s Phi Theta Kappa chapters also supported.
“Kenzie Beliveau went to Salvation Army to get the cards for several Angels,” he said. “Each Honors House took two and worked together to get the items on the card, specified age, favorite color, special favorite interests, etc.”
PRCC students brought Christmas gifts to a combined PTK Honors Christmas party the last class day, and wrapped gifts on the last day of final exams.
“We also had students who were Angel Tree kids once, so they took extra care, and one little girl took two because she had never celebrated Christmas,” said Dr. Ruckel.
“I loved the enthusiasm with which they got the idea and supported it. It takes Pride, Respect, Class and Character, and it also took engagement from each (Honors) House member by delegating a responsibility and volunteering for specific gifts. Kenzie kept everyone organized.”
Beliveau says her inspiration for this project came from her childhood, as her family took part in the Angel Tree program every year, instilling in her the importance of helping those in need during the holiday season.
“As an adult, I have continued this tradition on my own, and I saw an opportunity to bring this impactful experience to the Honors group. After presenting the idea and receiving approval from Dr. Ruckel, we began organizing the project.”
She said all the students in Honors Institute donated gifts.
“Personally, being a part of the Angel Tree project was an incredibly rewarding experience. It felt meaningful to bring an idea that had been a part of my own childhood into something that could make a tangible difference in the community,” said Beliveau.
“Watching the group come together with enthusiasm and dedication was inspiring and knowing that we were helping children and families during the holidays made the effort feel even more significant. It was a humbling reminder of the power of community involvement and the impact we can have when we work together for a common cause.”
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Article by Chuck Abadie. Photography by Kaylee Fortenberry.
