Be a Secret Santa for area children for 2023 MTSU Little Raiders Gift-Giving Campaign

Middle Tennessee State University’s Little Raiders Gift-Giving Campaign needs your help in spreading holiday cheer to children and youth in our community needing a helping hand.

The University Police Department is partnering with MTSU Campus Recreation, Student Health Services, the June Anderson Center for Woman and Nontraditional Students and the Nutrition and Dietetics Association to sponsor this year’s campaign.

From now through Monday, Dec. 4, Christmas trees will be on display at three locations on campus. The trees will be decorated with tag ornaments listing the age, gender, clothing size and wish list of a child in need.

MTSU Police Sgt. Vergena Forbes — Sgt. Vergena Forbes

“It’s so heart-warming seeing the smiles on the children and their parents and guardians as they open their gifts. It’s a nice way to ease the burden off these parents who may be going through a tough time,” said MTSU Police Sgt. Vergena Forbes, noting that in addition to MTSU student parents, families receiving government assistance identified through a local daycare center will also benefit from this year’s campaign.

Started by now-retired MTSU Police Sgt. Steve Scott, the Little Raiders campaign was brought back to life by Forbes more than a decade ago.

Forbes said they expect to help almost 40 Little Raiders this year. The recipients celebrate at a holiday party in December, where they, along with Santa Claus, are the guests of honor.

This Little Raiders ornament is among those hanging on three trees across campus supporting the Little Raiders gift-giving campaign. Secret Santas can pick an ornament to "adopt" a local child's Christmas wish list. (MTSU file photo by DeAnn Hays) — This Little Raiders ornament is among those hanging on three trees across campus supporting the Little Raiders gift-giving campaign. Secret Santas can pick an ornament to “adopt” a local child’s Christmas wish list. (MTSU file photo by DeAnn Hays)

Those wishing to participate are asked to register as a “Secret Santa” and choose a numbered tag from a tree at one of the designated campus locations.

This year’s Christmas tree locations are:

• MTSU University Police Building, 1412 E. Main St. (Open 24 hours)

• Student Health Services, 1848 Blue Raider Drive (Open during normal business office hours.)

• June Anderson Center for Woman and Nontraditional Students, Student Union Room 330, 1768 MTSU Blvd. (Open during normal business office hours.)

All Secret Santas participating in this year’s campaign are asked to drop off all gifts and donations at the MTSU University Police Building by Monday, Dec. 4. Gifts should be new. They can be wrapped or unwrapped.

Please remember that the MTSU University Police building is open 24 hours a day, so you may drop your gifts off anytime during or after normal office hours for the duration of the drop-off period.Please contact Forbes at 615-898-2424 with any questions about this year’s MTSU Little Raiders campaign.