Hudson Killman, son of Craig and Kelli Killman, gets some help shopping from Northwestern Art Society member Nicole Marema during last year’s Holiday Gift Store for Kids.
Children of all ages are welcome to come visit with Santa and have their photo taken with him during the eighth annual Photos with Santa and Holiday Gift Store for Kids event at Northwestern Oklahoma State University-Alva Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Center. Members of the NWOSU Art Society (NAS) sponsor this annual event.
Starbucks drinks and snacks also will be available for purchase during the event via the Ranger Market.
Volunteers helping to make this a fun event for the children will include members from the Delta Zeta sorority and Castle Players drama club, as well as Northwestern faculty, staff and local community members. Youth, plus sponsors, from the Presbyterian Church also will be helping.
“We are so thankful for all the individuals and groups who volunteer each year to help our small art club bring a fun activity to the children in the area,” Angelia Case, NAS sponsor, said. “We wouldn’t be able to offer this event if our volunteers didn’t come together to help. If any of our employees or students would like to help with our community service event, just let me know.”
Children will have a chance to have their photo taken with Santa Claus during this event. Several digital photos will be taken and available for immediate viewing at one of three selection stations. The cost for each photo selected is $5, and the purchaser will receive the original digital negative file(s) and all rights to reproduce the image into whatever project they’d like.
“We highly encourage everyone coming for Santa photos to bring a jump drive with them so we can save the images to that drive before they leave,” Case said. “By doing this it will give everyone extra time to create something with the images prior to the holidays.”
For those not providing a jump drive, the images will be emailed to the address provided early the next week.
Case said that NAS also offers a number of 5×7 greeting card designs should anyone wish to choose one. Card designs are an additional $5. The finished card will be emailed early the next week.
Right next door to Santa Land is the Holiday Gift Store for Kids. Children will be able to shop for loved ones, friends, teachers and even pets. Prices on a variety of merchandise usually range from 25 cents to less than $20.
Case said that NAS members and other volunteers will be on hand to help each child with their selections and to stay on budget. Only a few children are allowed in the store at one time to make it a positive experience for everyone, so there likely will be some waiting involved. Gift wrapping for each item purchased also is available. Coloring activities will be available in the main area of the Student Center.
For more information about the Holiday Store, Photos with Santa, NAS in general, or to learn about volunteer opportunities to help in the store or to do activities outside the store while children are waiting, please contact Case at (580) 327-8577 or arcase@nwosu.edu.
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CONTACT FOR RELEASE
Ali Gavitt, University Relations Specialist
apgavitt@nwosu.edu 580-327-8480