FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, December 6, 2007

CONTACT Aubrey Streit, (785) 227-3311, ext. 8274

BETHANY STUDENTS GIVE BACK IN HOLIDAY SERVICE ACTIVITIES

LINDSBORG, Kan.—Freshman students at Bethany have participated in two volunteer projects this holiday season that served the local community and the world.

Bethany College students in Prof. Dave Admire’s seminar class participated in a “Santa Claus Conspiracy” at Bethany Home in Lindsborg.

            Ten freshman students in a seminar class taught by Dave Admire, associate professor of criminal justice, participated in a “Santa Claus Conspiracy” at Bethany Home in Lindsborg.
            The students made and decorated more than 600 homemade cookies. On Dec. 3, they went room-to-room at Bethany Home, visiting with the nursing home’s residents and distributing plates of cookies. They were accompanied by Bethany freshman Michael Cunningham and Lindsborg resident Charles Wilson, both dressed as Santa Claus.
            Bethany Home residents appreciated the surprise, said Admire. “They love it. Everybody likes Santa, no matter how old they are. It brings a light to their eyes.”
            It was the second year that Admire’s class has organized a trip to Bethany Home.
            Students participating in the Santa Claus Conspiracy were: Alysha Adams, Tulsa, Okla.; Lorenzo Araujo, Oklahoma City, Okla.; Jodi Bachand, Clyde, Kan.; Michael Cunningham, Elizabeth, Colo.; Joseph Dickinson, Seattle, Wash.; Jonathan Hence, Pine Bluff, Ark.; Nolan Kempke, Claflin, Kan.; Lane O’Connor, Holcomb, Kan.; Christina Platter, Gypsum, Kan.; and Catherine Wade, Midwest City, Okla. Bethany students Kimberly Streit and Mariah McDowell, who are academic resource coordinators for the class, also participated

The Bethany College Alternative Gift Market, which included 14 booths hosted by freshman students, collected over $3,600 this year.

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            The Bethany College Alternative Gift Market, held Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, collected $3,650.50 this year. The market allows shoppers to purchase donations for reputable charity groups around the world. An accompanying Christmas Bazaar offered handcrafted items and home-baked goods, with proceeds also going to Alternative Gifts International.
            Bethany celebrated its sixth year of hosting the annual, student-sponsored gift market. Freshman students hosted 14 booths for specific charities at the event, and Bethany students served on the committee that planned and promoted the event. 
            “During the past six years, countless students have learned to be servant-leaders by volunteering at and organizing Bethany’s Alternative Gift Market. Their work helps serve both local shoppers and charities around the world,” said Campus Pastor Noni Strand, who also serves on the Alternative Gift Market committee.
            The Bethany College Alternative Gift Market is part of Alternative Gifts International, an interfaith agency that raises funds for global gifts through nationwide gift markets and individual donors. Grants then are sent to the established international projects of reputable non-profit agencies for relief and development. For more information, visit www.altgifts.org.
            To learn more about Bethany’s Alternative Gift Market, contact Sue Peterson at (785) 227-3380 ext. 8230.
            Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to nurture and challenge individuals in their search for truth and meaning as they live lives of faith, learning and service. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu.