STEPHENVILLE, Texas —The Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity at Tarleton State University, alongside the Division of Student Engagement and Success and the Center for Leadership, Service, and Outreach, celebrated its annual Angel Tree on Wednesday, making seasons bright for many kids in Erath County.
This heartwarming initiative creates an opportunity for Tarleton State students, faculty and staff to give back to the community by adopting “angels” representing individuals who may not otherwise receive holiday gifts.
“This year, we provided gifts for 192 children — our ‘angels.’ Each angel receives about $100 worth of gifts, meaning the project brought over $19,000 worth of joy to local families,” stated Geoffrey Johnston, Director of Campus Life in the Division of Student Engagement and Success. “What makes this so special is how the whole Tarleton community comes together. Students, Greek Life organizations, faculty, staff and even the football team all stepped up to adopt angels this year. Everyone’s excited to be part of something that gives back and helps kids in our area have a holiday they will never forget.”
Each angel includes a wish list of items, such as clothing, toys and other necessities. Angel adoption and gift collection began at the end of October and all the angels were adopted in record time. Since then, Tarleton Texans have purchased and wrapped gifts for their adopted angel, ensuring that each individual feels the warmth and spirit of the season.
The angel tree project has been taking place since 1995, with the Alpha Gamma Rho adopting the initiative as part of their fall philanthropy. Fraternity members participate in every aspect of the project, from tabling and getting people to adopt to loading up the truck with all the gifts to deliver.
“This initiative was chosen because of how it positively impacts the community,” said Justin Moberley, Alpha Gamma Rho President. “It’s just a good deal to see all of Tarleton State coming together, wanting to give back to the community around Stephenville, and allow them to have a Christmas they might not have had.”
The Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity is committed to fostering a sense of community and service among its members, and the Angel Tree is just one example of their dedication to making a positive impact.
“Our fraternity’s motto is ‘Making Better Men,’ and I think good men provide,” stated Wyatt Draper, Alpha Gamma Rho Philanthropy Chair. “So whenever we are able to help provide these gifts for these kids that wouldn’t have them otherwise, it feels really good.”
To learn more about fraternity and sorority life at Tarleton State, visit www.tarleton.edu/greeklife/
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.