Campus sprouts Angel Wings: On WCU's Cullowhee campus, Angel Wings trees pop up between Thanksgiving and the holiday season. The trees are part of the Angel Wings program, sponsored by WCU’s Department of Residential Living, and the program itself provides the ability for local families to purchase gifts for their children at substantial savings at the Jackson County Christmas Store. At the store, located in WCU’s Baptist Student Center, parents in need (as designated by Jackson County’s Department of Social Services) can choose from a wide selection of clothing and gift items.

How the program works: Participants contribute monetary donations, merchandise, or their time. A merchandise contribution can be made by selecting an ornament from an Angel Wings tree and purchasing the item described. The unwrapped gift and receipt, along with the ornament, are received and sorted by staff members in the Department of Residential Living office. Christmas Store volunteers help with wrapping presents, last-minute shopping, and other services.

Gifts from the heart: The Rev. Wanda Kidd, Baptist campus minister, began the gift collection project more than 17 years ago with a church youth group.  Now, she says, “People have no idea how broad, how big, and how wide this is.” The program generates over $35,000 every year and hundreds of children receive gifts through the store.

Celebrating the spirit of giving: Each year, WCU holds a “Holiday Tree Lighting & Angel Wings Program” celebration in A.K. Hinds University Center so that folks can gather to share the holiday spirit and see some of the gifts displayed.