Students reaching out to help others . . .

. . . Marketing major Ania McNamara, who was adopted by SMU alums from an orphanage in Chotomow, Poland, organized a fundraiser to provide the orphanage with Christmas gifts and new clothes. Now in its second year, Ania’s project raised almost $5,000 and she has shipped 62 personalized gifts and about 30 candy bags for children and nuns at the orphanage. Read the Winona Daily News story about Ania's project.

. . . Students, faculty and staff fulfilled the wishes of more than 1,400 community members through the “Gifts for Winona” Christmas gift program. Along with the larger effort to raise funds, purchase and deliver presents, a First-Year Seminar class made more than 20 tie blankets, which will help make many children’s holidays warmer and happier.

. . . Approximately 285 Saint Mary’s students volunteered their time on October 23, national “Make a Difference Day,” in assisting various Winona organizations and three elementary schools. Saint Mary’s alumni also came together on October 23 and volunteered in the Twin Cities, Chicago and Winona. To see a recap of activities organized by the Alumni Association during Lasallian Day of Service, go to: www.smumn.edu/lasalliandayofservice.

. . . Fall sport athletes engaged in bringing awareness to and raising funds for helping others. The volleyball team hosted a “Dig Pink Night” to support research for breast cancer; the men’s soccer team hosted “Cardinals Kick Cancer” with proceeds going to the Children’s Hospital in honor of Shaymus Guinn — the son of former Cardinals coach Tony Guinn — who is currently battling cancer; and, the women’s soccer team sponsored a “Footin’ 4 Food” drive for the local food pantry.