LATROBE, PA – Saint Vincent College students, faculty and staff came together on Saturday, Dec. 6, for the annual SVC Wraps for Kids event, a cherished service tradition that brings holiday joy to children across Westmoreland County.
Through a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region, the Saint Vincent community shopped and wrapped presents for more than 100 local children, ensuring each child will receive personalized gifts selected just for them.
Hosted by the Saint Vincent College Education Department, and under the leadership of Dr. Kathleen Beining, director of pre-K-12 programs, the event drew volunteers from across campus and the region, including faculty members, current education students and alumni, and community partners.
Student volunteers spent the morning shopping at the Latrobe Walmart for children’s wish-list items. Following a morning of shopping, volunteers headed over to the Environmental Learning Barn at the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, which was transformed into a festive workshop filled with wrapping paper, ribbons and holiday cheer. Students spent the afternoon wrapping gifts and filling a stocking for each child.
“SVC Wraps for Kids supports local families but also helps prepare our future teachers for the reality that they will be working with families that may need support,” said Beining, who serves as an assistant professor of education in SVC’s School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. “Our future teachers have an idea of how to help after participating in Wraps during their time at SVC, and many of our alumni not only return to help, but they also have the knowledge and implement similar programs in their home districts. We couldn’t be prouder.”
The event aligns with Saint Vincent’s Benedictine values of community and stewardship, providing students, particularly those in teacher preparation programs, an opportunity to serve children and families in the region in which they will one day teach.
“SVC Wraps for Kids reflects the heart of Saint Vincent’s mission: service, hospitality and care for our community,” said Dr. Tracy McNelly, chair of the Education Department. “Our students truly embraced the spirit of giving, and we are grateful to Big Brothers Big Sisters for allowing us to support local children in such a meaningful way.”
