During the holiday season, University of Central Florida students and staff and faculty members can make a difference in the lives of children from the Bithlo-Christmas area.

For a child whose family cannot afford to purchase gifts, the annual Facilities Operations Adopt-A-Child program, in partnership with the Bithlo-Christmas Neighborhood Center for Families, can help make the holiday season a little brighter.

Employees from many campus departments have joined their Facilities & Safety colleagues and purchased gifts for Bithlo and Christmas children for the past eight years in lieu of giving each other presents.

Nearly 20 children still need to be “adopted,” and each child is listed with his or her age, clothing and shoe sizes, and gift wish list. Unwrapped gifts are due by Friday, Dec. 16.  Cash donations are also accepted.

“It is a blessing to give, no matter what the amount is,” said Brian Wormwood, associate director of Facilities Operations.

For more information, visit The Bithlo/Christmas Neighborhood Center for Families Adopt-A-Child Program. To sign up, contact Rachel Emmanuel at Rachel.Emmanuel@ucf.edu or call 407-823-2431.