SHARE

WestConn Christmas Trees Encourage Donations To Danbury Food Bank

DANBURY, Conn. — During study breaks for finals, students at the Midtown and Westside campuses of Western Connecticut State University in Danbury may notice a unique Christmas tree in their midst.

The Christmas tree in the Western Connecticut State University midtown campus student center is decorated with ornaments that list items needed by the Greater Danbury Food Bank.

The Christmas tree in the Western Connecticut State University midtown campus student center is decorated with ornaments that list items needed by the Greater Danbury Food Bank.

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky
The Christmas tree in the Western Connecticut State University midtown campus student center is decorated with ornaments that list items needed by the Greater Danbury Food Bank.

The Christmas tree in the Western Connecticut State University midtown campus student center is decorated with ornaments that list items needed by the Greater Danbury Food Bank.

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky
The Christmas tree in the Western Connecticut State University midtown campus student center is decorated with ornaments that list items needed by the Greater Danbury Food Bank.

The Christmas tree in the Western Connecticut State University midtown campus student center is decorated with ornaments that list items needed by the Greater Danbury Food Bank.

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky
The Christmas tree in the Western Connecticut State University midtown campus student center is decorated with ornaments that list items needed by the Greater Danbury Food Bank.

The Christmas tree in the Western Connecticut State University midtown campus student center is decorated with ornaments that list items needed by the Greater Danbury Food Bank.

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky
The Christmas tree in the Western Connecticut State University midtown campus student center is decorated with ornaments that list items needed by the Greater Danbury Food Bank.

The Christmas tree in the Western Connecticut State University midtown campus student center is decorated with ornaments that list items needed by the Greater Danbury Food Bank.

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky

While families across Danbury will decorate their trees with ornaments, the decorations on the university’s tree have a unique purpose.

The trees — one is located on each campus — are decorated with ornaments that list items needed by the Greater Danbury Food Bank, including paper goods, powdered drink mixes and pasta. They are sponsored by the campus and student centers, according to the ornaments.

Oni Figueroa, a university employee, came up with the idea. She said it serves as a reminder to the university community to help those in need.

“The tree reminds WCSU community that there are many who go without basic needs during the holiday and year round,” said Figueroa, who is the administrative assistant for the campus and student centers. “Their donations can go a long way to help those in need.”

Figueroa said the tree has been “very successful” in generating awareness for the food drive in the past. Donors who wish to participate may drop off donations at the Midtown campus information desk in the student center or at the Westside campus center by Dec. 18.

In addition to the community-minded ornaments, the display also includes sparkling gift boxes and an inflated snowman bearing a green gift wrapped box with a red bow.

It is unclear whether Santa will visit the university. But with all the food donations, there’s a good chance that the community is on his nice list if he does.

to follow Daily Voice Danbury and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE