This is the eleventh consecutive season that Pi Kappa Alpha has been operating its Pike Presents holiday philanthropy. Each year, we team up with sororities on campus to provide every student at the Garden Hills Elementary school of Champaign with a holiday present. For many of the students this will be one of the only presents they receive over the course of the season. In the words of Cheryl O’Leary the Garden Hills Elementary school principal:

“Pikes started working with Garden Hills in 2004 to provide presents for students. Garden Hills services over 500 students and over 425 are on free and reduced lunch which means that they live below the poverty level. These presents are some of the only presents that students will receive this holiday season. In fact some of the students when asked their wishes did not even know how to verbalize what they like to play with. The generosity of the Pikes has put smiles onto many students’ faces. Most of the items that you will see listed are available at Wal-Mart. It is a very emotional day and to see so many children enjoy this moment is overwhelming. In 2004 we were all moved when a girl asked for a shirt and asked why she said because I wear it to school during the day and my mom wears it to work at night. Garden Hills staff has the advantage of knowing the background of the students so to see them get something for them is amazing, exciting, and emotional. Thank you Pikes and to all those who made the dreams of students happen.”

As well as providing every student at the school with a present, we also like to collect donations and make a monetary contribution to the school to support purchases of equipment and development of school facilities. Thank you in advance for any and all support.