Saint Xavier's Office University Advancement 'Adopts-A-Family' for the holidays

When it comes to a new year, many create resolutions to alleviate their financial state, some hope to bring peace and joy to their loved ones, while others just wish to have a "better" year. For one family in Joliet, their holidays weren't burdened by the hassle of financial constraints, all in thanks to Saint Xavier University's Office of University Advancement.

This year, SXU's Office of University Advancement helped make a family's holiday a little brighter, while making their burdens a little lighter all to bring a fresh start to the new year.

In lieu of doing an office secret Santa, University Advancement participated in the St. Vincent DePaul Society's Adopt-A-Family Program, a program that provides food and gifts for approximately 100 families each holiday season.

Through the St. Mary of Gostyn Parish chapter, the Office "adopted" a family of five from a sister parish in Joliet. The staff members provided gifts of winter jackets for the two adults in the family, as well as winter clothing, hats and fleece blankets, and, of course, toys for the three children ages nine, 14 and 17 months old.

Altogether, SXU's University Advancement delivered a total of 19 boxes, including: boxes of toys/gifts, boxes of food, as well as gift cards to purchase perishables for their Christmas meal.

In attendance to wrap the gifts were: Sharon Panozzo, gift and record processor; Jennifer Kenyeri, director of special events; Marie Kelly, executive director of annual and special giving; John Bass, associate vice president for University Advancement; Wendy Doherty, executive assistant for University Advancement; Kelly Murphy, manager of media relations; Nancy Condreva, administrative assistant to the executive director of annual and special giving; and Julie Grisolano, director of prospect research and gift planning. Other staff who also contributed include: Maribel Acevedo, assistant director/post-award manager of corporate, government and foundation relations; Jeannette Boudos, executive director of special events; Jean Gainer, executive director of alumni and donor relations; Erin Mueller, executive director of corporate, government and foundation relations; Anna Simons, executive director of advancement services; and Brandon Swanson, associate director of alumni relations.