Library staff donates children's gifts to shelters

The holidays will be a bit nicer for children in local women's shelters thanks to the generosity of the SIUC community.

For the fifth consecutive year, Morris Library at SIUC helped The Poshard Foundation gather contributions to buy gifts for the children residing in area shelters. In 2007 they collected more than $1,100 in donations, said Susan E. Tulis, associate dean of library affairs.

It's a cooperative program with Pat Benton of Magic 95.1 FM radio station. Those making donations at the library got their names inscribed on gingerbread men and women ornaments hung on a tree on the first floor of the library. Counselors use the donated funds to buy gifts and essentials for the kids.

SIU President Glenn Poshard and his wife, Jo, founded the Poshard Foundation in 1999.

- Christi Mathis