Sending Holiday Cheer

Administrators, students, staff and faculty members of the College of Health and Human Development recently made 71 holiday cards for troops as part of the American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes Program.

The cards will be distributed to service men and women stationed overseas or in hospitals across the country from all branches of the military.

“This year was our first year participating,” said Shari McMahan, dean of the College of Health and Human Development, adding that the card-making activity was so successful, they plan to do it again next year.

Next year, “we will work with ROTC to see if we can sponsor a specific troop to include former CSUF students,” said Alma Gonzalez, astaff member in the college.

“Dean McMahan suggested the idea,” Gonzalez said. “She wanted this year’s college open house to be meaningful and purposeful. Purposeful: to thank faculty and staff for their hard-work this year. Meaningful: to thank those who serve us year-round — our troops.”

As Gonzalez collected the cards to take to the post office, she said she read the hand-written sentiments.

“I felt proud as I mailed the cards,” she said. “Proud of the people who took time to make the cards, proud to be a part of a thoughtful and caring college and, most of all, proud that 71 service men and women will receive some much needed holiday cheer.”

Dec. 16, 2011