Against all odds in a still-sagging economy, clubs and individuals from across the Daytona State campuses joined together to make a difference for children. Last year the Student Activities Department collected 179 boxes for “Operation Christmas Child.”
“This year we received 508 boxes!” said an excited Julie Rocco, the executive administrative assistant for Student Activities who coordinated the effort.
According to her breakdown: Health Information Management turned in five; the Falcon Cheerleaders turned in nine; Deltona Student Government Association, 10; Campus Crusade for Christ, 12; American Medical Student Association, 19; Human Services Club, 20; Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association, 37; Student Paralegal Association, 52; Culinary Club, 73; and (drum roll please), the Rotaract Club, 225! In addition, 45 boxes were donated by Daytona State College faculty and staff.
So, the winner of this year’s holiday party — the incentive for vying against each other — is the Rotaract Club, the stated mission of which is “to provide an opportunity for young men and women to enhance their knowledge and skills that will foster personal development, to address the physical and social needs of their communities, and to promote better relations between all people worldwide through a framework of service and friendship.” The club is advised by Senior Professor Ram Nayar. For information on the organization, call 386-506-3776.