D.C. alumni give back to local causes during holiday season

Elon's Washington, D.C. Alumni Chapter did its part to give back to the community this past holiday season.

 Despite the busy time surrounding the month of December, alumni participated in three different volunteer and fundraising events to benefit local organizations.

Several alumni spent a Wednesday evening in December at D.C. Central Kitchen, which prepares more than 5,000 meals per day and distributes them to homeless shelters, transitional homes and nonprofit organizations. Chapter members took part in de-boning salmon and venison, baking cobble, and making breakfast sandwiches.

The spirit of the giving season continued on Dec. 13, which marked a new event that brought together 10 North Carolina alumni chapters. Elon was joined by more than 350 alumni from Appalachian State University, Davidson College, Duke University, Guilford College, Meredith College, N.C. State University, UNC-Asheville, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Charlotte and Wake Forest University for a fundraiser and silent auction to benefit Toys for Tots. The U.S Marine Corps collected more than 200 toys and donations at the event.

Perhaps one of the most gratifying volunteer opportunities, 24 alumni along with several family and friends participated in Wreaths Across America’s annual laying of wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery on Dec. 15 as part of the Capital Alumni Network. More than 20,000 volunteers laid approximately 110,000 wreaths.

“Having the experience of being at Arlington National Cemetery provides a powerful and unique perspective for all our volunteers,” said Nick Palatiello ’06, chapter representative for the Capital Alumni Network. “We look forward to making this an annual tradition to honor our veterans.”

Submitted by Jennifer Heilman ’07, chapter president