Participants in the Adopt-a-Family program get a good feeling as they drop off their donations, says Mary Anne Beaudoin, organizer of the UWindsor effort. Boxes of gifts filled a truck collecting contributions from across campus for the charity drive, Tuesday outside the Welcome Centre.

“Everyone is so happy to see the truck fill up,” Beaudoin says. “They can see the difference they’re making for some local families and kids.”

Under the program of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society Foundation, faculties, departments and individuals across campus “adopt” families and raise cash or buy items on their wish lists. Needy families request such necessities as housewares, clothing and food as well as some toys for the children.

This year, the University of Windsor community collected almost $25,000 for 45 families.

The holiday program has been an annual tradition for more than two decades, says Beaudoin. She plans to retire next summer, meaning this will be the last drive she organizes.

“It’s been so easy to do, because people are eager to help,” she says. “I have my regulars every year, who have decided this is how they’re going to get together to celebrate the holiday season.”