ShareThis Increase Font Size Decrease Font Size

College of Veterinary Medicine makes the holidays merrier for local elementary students

December 13, 2022

TUCVM group and George Washington Carver School First Graders
TUCVM group and George Washington Carver Elementary School First Graders.

Contact: Anissa Riley, Director of External Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine
   

TUSKEGEE, Ala. – As the fall semester ended, the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine’s (TUCVM) family of students, faculty, and staff under the leadership of Dean Ruby L. Perry, once again approached the holiday season with reminding all of the true spirit of being thankful and giving to help spread cheer and joy to others. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Roslyn Casimir and Veterinary Social Worker Chankia Berry oversaw the college’s efforts with the support of Dean Perry.

This spirit was promoted with the college’s successful Eighth Annual TUCVM “Toy Drive for Tots” event. The TUCVM family collected over 230 gifts which allowed all 219 children enrolled in Pre-K to first grade at George Washington Carver (GWC) Elementary School in Tuskegee, Alabama, to receive a gift on December 13.  The TUCVM “Santa”  helpers enjoyed the in-person event of passing out the toys to the students in the gymnasium at GWC and allowing the students to interact with a visit from Santa Claus too.

The ‘Toy Drive for Tots’ is an annual tradition in the college that was inspired by the TUCVM students and the TUCVM administration. The event, supported with active engagement from the college’s faculty, staff and students, was originally inspired by the Class of 2017 and has since become an annual celebration led by the succeeding first-year veterinary class. 

GWC’s Principal Norman Williams, Jr., teachers, and assistants were very appreciative that the Tuskegee’s College of Veterinary Medicine again selected their students as part of the season of Holiday Giving for 2022. TUCVM also thanks the GWC’s administrators and teachers who also assisted and supported the Toy Drive. GWC’s physical education teachers JaLonda Dixon and Autavia Porter-Harris not only assisted the TUCVM “Santa” helpers but also provided the holiday music which really made a festive environment for the students.

The GWC teachers and assistants included the following:  Pre-k - Sonia Crist, Monday Williams, Laquita Cooks and Teara Williams; kindergarten – Markeetia Johnson, Wendy Reed-Williams, Tamika Wright and Katrina Hughley; and first grade - Audrey Menefee, LeTisha Dix, Kimberly Curry, and Quanesha Powell. This was another successful joint effort between the students and the CVM administration to support the local community!

“We applaud the efforts of the TUCVM students, faculty and staff in demonstrating outstanding teamwork in making this eighth annual charity event possible and a huge success,” said Veterinary Social Worker Chanika Berry. “Not only were over 230 gifts collected for the total of 219 students enrolled in Pre-K - 1st grade at GWC Elementary School, but extra gifts were given to stock classroom treasure boxes. Truly, thank you TUCVM, for your generous participation.”
   

© 2022 Tuskegee University

TUCVM group with GWC PreK and K kids
TUCVM group with GWC PreK and K kids.

TUCVM group, Santa, and helpers with GWC Principal Norman Williams Jr.
TUCVM group, Santa, and helpers with GWC Principal Norman Williams Jr.