Project Snowflake

Photo by 123rf.com

Erin Mei
Staff Writer

Each December, Hillwood Commons Information desk is decorated with snowflakes for a program called Project Snowflake, which is sponsored by the Office of Student Life and Leadership Development, which gives gifts to children in need. The FEGS (Federation Employment and Guidance Service) Health and Human Services in Syosset sends LIU Post’s Office of Student Life and Leadership a list of what presents, children ages 2-15, are asking for this holiday season. Project Snowflake grants their wishes.

Debbie Weiss of FEGS Health and Human Services Project Manager of Volunteer Services says, “We have been working with Jeannette Murray and Project Snowflake for several years and we are always astounded at the generosity and thoughtfulness that the LIU community shows for families and children in need across Long Island.”

“I think Project Snowflake is such a wonderful thing,” says senior Education major, Jacqueline Klingler. “Being able to give a child a present for the holidays makes you feel so good inside.”

Any member of LIU Post is able to participate in this event by stopping by Hillwood Commons Information Desk and asking for a snowflake. Each snowflake has a number that is matched to the list provided by FEGS, which gives the gender and age of a child and the gift they are asking for. Klinger also says, “I wish I knew about the program before they ran out of snowflakes. I was never aware of this!”

Project Snowflake has been going on for a few years. Fernando Mendoza, Associate Director of Student Life and Leadership, states that 50 snowflakes were made available this year and were given out within a week. “This is an awesome program… The campus enjoys giving back to these kids and likes getting involved.”

All gifts must be wrapped and are due back to the office on December 12 and delivered by SLLD to the children. Mendoza also says: “This year alone we have had students, clubs, administrators and faculty participate and every year the gifts brought back are so thoughtful and sometimes people will supply us with even more than what is asked.”

Weiss also expresses her appreciation for the LIU community, “Without the assistance from the students, staff and faculty at LIU, our organization could not provide holiday gifts to the many struggling Long Islanders during the holiday’s season.”