Westminster College's Civic Engagement Council will host a "Santa's Workshop" gift wrapping event Thursday, Dec. 10, from 6-9 p.m. in the Witherspoon Rooms of the McKelvey Campus Center.

Donations of new and gently-used toys, action figures, dolls, board games, and winter clothing for children are being accepted at Westminster's Career Center. Used items will be cleaned, packaged, and gift-wrapped for distribution to needy children in the area.

The idea for the project came from Council member Dr. Sherri Pataki, Westminster assistant professor of psychology. She suggested families may have toys and clothes that have been outgrown or replaced but still have many hours of useful life. The emphasis on revitalizing used items and giving them new purpose became the focus around which the project was created.

Sophomore Spanish major Bryce Beeghley is the Student Government Association representative on the Council.

"When we planned the second half of this project, we realized that students would enjoy wrapping these gently-used items for less-fortunate children," Beeghley said. "It's the season of giving, and everyone benefits. Everyone is invited to help with the wrapping and enjoy holiday music and refreshments."

Beeghley is a son of Randall and Darci Beeghley of Dunbar and a graduate of Connellsville Area High School.

Council member Jackie Meade, director of Westminster's Career Center, is pleased with the donations to date. "We have another week before the event, so we are hoping for more donations," she said. "We appreciate the support of Westminster's Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Student Government Association's Service Committee, Westminster's Greek community, and the members of Lambda Sigma honor fraternity."

"The enthusiasm and great spirit of giving of the Westminster community is especially evident during this holiday season," Beeghley said. "It warms my heart to know everyone has dedicated so much time and effort to helping others."

Contact Meade at (724) 946-7343 (e-mail meadelb@westminster.edu) or Beeghley at beeghbl@westminster.edu for more information.