By Samantha Cost 

Montevallo’s Outdoor Scholars Program and the Montevallo M.A.D.E. Program have partnered together in the holiday spirit of giving. They are holding a joint snack and toiletry drive for Shelby Emergence Assistance, along with collecting toys for children at Christmas.  

According to their website, Shelby Emergency Assistance is a local non-profit organization whose aim is to help those “in crisis become self-sufficient and empower them to make positive contributions to the community in which they live.” They help those suffering financially by providing them with necessities such as food and toiletries, educational classes to help them become more financially literate and assisting with other expenses. They also help the community through specific projects like Project Christmas which provides gifts to children in low-income families. 

Jason Perry, Student Diversity Recruitment and Retention Coordinator, said that the two programs partnered together to help increase the turn-out for the drive.  

According to Perry, “we really do view this as a university effort where we really want everyone to play a part in their own specific areas, office and programs.”  

Perry said that the University of Montevallo has partnered with Shelby Emergence Assistance in the past to help the community.  

To Perry, “the spirit of Montevallo is amplified in these types of effort, being generous and kind is something we really try to live by as a campus. Being able to encourage others and build a positive spirit, it radiates throughout the community,” and, “leading that effort could have a huge positive impact long term.” 

Donations will be accepted through Nov. 15 at the following locations on campus: Calkins Hall Board Room, Global and Community Outreach Building (845 Valley Street), Farmer Hall outside the Student Life Office, Outdoor Scholars Program Lodge in Bearden House and all UM residence halls. 

Some of the most needed items include canned goods, fruit cups, Pop-Tarts, hand towels, toothbrushes and hand sanitizers. For a full list of supplies needed, email made@montevallo.edu.