PLYMOUTH, N.H.-
How many times have we heard, “It’s the thought that counts!” While that axiom is true, plenty of people are faced with less money this year in providing holiday gifts for their friends and family.
After hearing how stressed students are when it comes to the holidays and gift giving, a group of Financial Aid employees created the “Gifts From Heart and Hand” program, whose goal is to give students, faculty, and staff holiday gift ideas that cost no more than $10. After putting out the call for volunteers, the organizers collected dozens of gift ideas, from knit hats to homemade Christmas ornaments to candy.
Monday, Nov. 24 the gifts were displayed in the HUB Multi Purpose room, with more than 200 students, staff and faculty perusing the array of low-cost and fun presents.
The goal, according to Crystal Finefrock of Financial Aid, was to have 200 or more different gift ideas to empower the PSU community to create their own gifts for family and friends without breaking the bank.
“If we can change at least one person’s thoughts about how they spend for the holidays, and reconsider that amount, then I think we’ve done a great job,” said Finefrock. “I think it’s been a great community builder, everyone has been very excited and there’s been a lot of great energy, so we’re very pleased.”
The organizers also gave everyone a free CD to take away with them that provided a picture of the gift, how the gift was made (list of all materials, where the items were purchased, etc) and the estimated price.
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