BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — John Downing was walking through the large meeting room on the third floor of WKU student union, checking to make sure the 34 students from Parker-Bennett-Curry elementary school were given a gift.

Yesterday, several WKU Greek organizations wrapped up their mission of giving presents to kids in need. 


What You Need To Know

  •  34 Parker-Bennett-Curry Elementary students were assigned to a WKU Greek organization

  •  94% of the school's 284 students are economically disadvantaged

  • The Greek organizations were given a list of items to give the students, including art supplies, clothes and toys

“There’s a lot of deserving children in this community that doesn’t get to kind of have that Christmas that they want, so this is one way that we feel we can give back to them,” Downing, a WKU graduate assistant, said. 

And while they may be deserving, not all of those students get that chance.

In fact. U.S. News and World Report states that 94% of the elementary school’s 284 students are economically disadvantaged.

That’s why the Greek life community at the school came together to ensure some children had gifts under their tree this holiday season.

For Dasia Finch and the rest of The Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, they hoped the items they were collecting would empower the students they were assigned. 

“To make them feel confident about themselves with like the earrings and clothes,” Finch said.  

The Greek organizations were given a list of items the children may want, including art supplies, clothes and toys. 

“It just means so much, especially around the holidays with these children, that may not be as fortunate to have that Christmas. It just puts a smile on my face,” Downing said. 

‘Tis the season for red ribbons and cutting wrapping paper—all present on Giving Tuesday.