Winter wonder
Tree to be lit up tonight
By Paige Fox
Skiff Staff

Tonight’s 22nd annual tree lighting will include a gift drive to benefit less fortunate children. It will also carry on a campus holiday tradition.

Presents for underprivileged children will be collected during the 22nd annual holiday tree lighting at 9 p.m. tonight on the Sadler Hall lawn, an Order of Omega spokeswoman said.

Order of Omega, TCU’s Greek Honor Society, passed out wish cards for children who wouldn’t ordinarily receive presents. The gifts will be passed down a human chain to Bank One representatives for “The Spirit of Christmas” program. Bank One will give the presents to Child Protective Services caseworkers to deliver to children.

“Each year we strive to have a lot of people come and a lot of people bring gifts,” said Jenny Specht, Order of Omega’s vice president of programming.

Last year Order of Omega collected 600 gifts. This year they hope to receive 700 to 800.

“It’s a really nice opportunity to be able to share what we have with people who don’t have as much,” said Elizabeth Crawford, a junior English major who has participated in the program before.

Chancellor Michael Ferrari said the event, a campus tradition, represents a time of giving to those less fortunate in the city and it is one of those special opportunities for TCU students to reach out to children as well as to one another. Ferrari added he enjoys the ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“I always enjoy participating in this moving and meaningful ceremony,” Ferrari said. “Since this is my last holiday tree lighting involvement, I’m sure it will be even more memorable for me.”A horse drawn carriage will deliver Ferrari, his wife, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus to the event. People in attendance can light a candle during the Christmas carol “Silent Night” while Ferrari lights the 20-foot tree.

Ferrari is set to address the importance of different faiths coming together to “express our shared hopes for peace, especially in this time of uncertainty across the globe.”
Junior Panhellenic will announce the winners of the “Light the Campus” contest after children tour and judge holiday decorations on residence halls. Hot chocolate will be provided as the Focus Band from Christ Chapel Bible Church leads the crowd in Christmas carols.
Near the end of the event, seniors will recite the poem “The Night Before Finals.”

a.p.fox@tcu.edu