True Blue Santas step up for this year’s Little Raiders gift-giving campaign

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University is getting into the holiday spirit while supporting a great annual tradition of giving back to the community.

Little Raiders ornaments like this one will be hanging on two trees on 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)

The 2025 MTSU Little Raiders Gift-Giving Campaign is underway, providing an opportunity for “Secret Santas” across campus to visit one of two Christmas trees on display at two locations on campus. The trees are decorated with roughly 30 tag ornaments listing the age, gender, clothing size and wish list of a child in need. Ages this year range from infant to age 10.

PLEASE NOTE: “Secret Santas” have already chosen all of the numbered tags from the trees for this year’s campaign. Those still interested in participating may sign up to be a backup Secret Santa if needed.

Please call MTSU Police Dispatch at 615-898-2424 with any questions about this year’s MTSU Little Raiders campaign.

This year’s Christmas tree locations were MTSU University Police Building lobby, 1412 E. Main St. (Open 24 hours); and Student Health Services lobby, 1848 Blue Raider Drive.

Sponsors of this year’s campaign include the University Police Department in partnership with Campus Recreation, Student Health Services, Campus Housing, MTSU Athletics, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 54, and the Nutrition and Dietetics Association, a student organization.

“We’re always appreciative of the great support this effort receives each year from throughout campus,” said MTSU Police Sgt. Vergena Forbes. “And a special shoutout to the sponsors for their collaboration and willingness to help brighten the holiday season for children and families in need.”

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 Thursday, Dec. 4. Gifts should be new. They can be wrapped or unwrapped.

Please note that the MTSU University Police building is open 24 hours a day, allowing gifts to be dropped off at any time during or after normal office hours for the duration of the drop-off period.

— Jimmy Hart (Jimmy.Hart@mtsu.edu)