Amelia Breault was one of six Uni volunteers at last year's Crisis Nursery Children's Holiday
Shop. (photo by Daisy Hassani) (click to enlarge)

By Bethany Hutchens
Gargoyle staff reporter
Posted Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2006, The OG, news

EACH YEAR the Crisis Nursery Children's Holiday Shop in Lincoln Square Village attracts volunteers from local schools and community organizations. Last December six students from Uni, including Konan exchange student Sayako Kanazumi, participated. But this year, the number has increased almost fivefold.

“The response has been great,” said junior Micah Berman, who sent out a schoolwide e-mail a few weeks ago asking for volunteers to help at the shop on Dec. 10.

According to Berman, who organized last year's Uni group as well, “28 or 29” students have contacted him. They will work this Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., although Berman said he plans to contact Crisis Nursery to see if the organization needs help any other time this weekend.

The shop is a chance for children in the community to buy gifts for their families for the winter holidays. All of the items are priced between $1 and $7. Volunteers take the children through the shop and help them to pick their gifts. The kids then buy the gifts and wrap them themselves (with help, if needed, from the volunteers).

“It's a great experience, and it connects you with the rest of the community,” said senior Amelia Breult, who volunteered last year. “The little kids are just so adorable.”

To volunteer with the Uni group, contact Berman at mberman1@uni.uiuc.edu. To volunteer at other times, contact Crisis Nursery at volunteer@crisisnursery.net or at 337-2731.

Crisis Nursery of Urbana-Champaign is an organization that provides shelter and support for children in times of abuse or emergency.

Last year, Gargoyle editor Daisy Hassani wrote about her experiences at the holiday shop. She talked about the sense of satisfaction she got when her efforts were rewarded with a “half-smile” from one of the childen she helped:

“It's not much, but I feel like I've accomplished something,” she wrote.

“As I walk out of the mall, I think about the kids I led through the shop. It's amazing how such a small act can make you feel like you've made a contribution to the community. I get into my car with the conviction that I will do this again next year.”

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