December 9, 2003

Criminal Justice Students Remember Kids During The Holidays

Members of Alpha Phi Sigma (APS), the National Criminal Justice Honor Society on the Boise State University campus, are not only spending time studying for finals, they also are preparing to make the holidays brighter for 50 Treasure Valley youth. APS is working with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to provide holiday gifts for area children in need. CASA utilizes volunteers who are appointed by judges to be advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children. The children receiving the holiday gifts from APS are either in foster care or have recently returned home from foster care. Monetary donations for this project have come from criminal justice students and staff, and area businesses. To date, APS has raised $2,000. While the honor students have been busy soliciting donations, organizers say the most rewarding part of this event is the shopping spree at Target Stores.  Armed with a list of two to three children each and their holiday wishes, members will be volunteering additional time on Saturday, Dec. 13, to “shop ‘til they drop.” Target Stores provides a 10 percent discount, an extra $100 and the wrapping paper, and allows members to use its employee room to wrap the gifts. “We plan to spend at least $30 per child, and maybe more depending upon how donations proceed throughout the week,” said Andrew Giacomazzi, the APS faculty advisor.  Giacomazzi said this project is the most important event members are involved with throughout the year. His honor students agree. “Helping foster kids in this way really is what the holiday season is all about. We really get excited about this, and just wish we could see the faces of the kids when they receive their gifts,” said APS Secretary Maureen McClung, who has helped organize the project for the past two years. CASA rules do not allow APS members to see the children, but the chapter routinely receives thank you letters from the kids. Samantha, an 8-year-old sponsored by the chapter last year wrote, “Thank you for all the stuff that you gave me. I like the address book and the little bag. I have always wanted gloves and a hat that match. Thank you for those. Thank you for everything.” -30- Contact Andrew Giacomazzi Department of criminal justice administration 208 426-4162 agiacom@boisestate.edu Media Contact Kathleen Craven communications and marketing 208 426-3275