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By Edwin B. Smith
University of Mississippi
Toys, dolls, bicycles and other children’s play items are in demand for the University of Mississippi’s 24th annual Books and Bears program.
Donations are accepted until December 14. All donations will be collected and sorted in time for the main event, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on December 17 in the student union ballroom.
The goal is to honor and recognize the valuable contributions of Facilities Management employees in giving back and spreading a little joy during the holiday season.
“We are particularly excited for this year’s event to take place in person,” said Phillis George, Acting Chair and Professor of Higher Education and Co-Chair of the Books and Bears Committee. “Due to COVID, we were unable to host an in-person event last year, so we’re really looking forward to reconnecting with everyone.”
Books and Bears regularly hires over 250 facilities management staff. The goal is to make sure that each employee receives at least one book, one bear and one extra toy for their family to enjoy.
“We’re trying to make this the biggest Books and Bears ever,” said EJ Presley, assistant director of career development and committee co-chair. “We want to collect as much as we can. “
The places of deposit are:
- Center for Inclusion and Intercultural Engagement, Ole Miss Student Union, Suite F101
- Conflict Resolution Office, Summerville Hall
- Shoemaker’s room, room 204
- Career Center, Martindale Hall
- Vardaman Hall, room 201
- Fed Ex Student-Athlete Academic Support Center, room 111
- Hall of Powers
- Robert C. Khayat Law Center, Room 2075
- Carrier room, room 201-F
- Brévard room
- Lamar Room, third floor
- High school
- School of Business Administration
- Bishop Room, Room 201
- Farley Room
- JD Williams Library
- Ventress Room
Donald Cole, Vice President Emeritus and Former Assistant to the Chancellor for Multicultural Affairs, and Janice Murray, Associate Dean of Liberal Arts and Emeritus Professor of Art, organized the first Books and Bears in 1997 in response to what they considered as a need for help. the caretakers give Christmas presents to their children. Spread by word of mouth, the first response to the call for donations was overwhelming.
Since then, the annual event has been sponsored by the Black Faculty and Staff Organization.
For more information on monetary and toy donations, contact Books and Bears Co-Chairs, Lauren Jones at [email protected] or 662-915-3128, Phillis George at [email protected] or 662-915 -3411, or EJ Presley at [email protected] or 662-915-7174.
