Holiday Palooza shares seasonal spirit

Get into the holiday spirit by attending the fourth annual Holiday Palooza in Murray-Aikins Dining Hall until 7 p.m. today, Monday, Dec. 1. Sponsored by Christian Fellowship, Hayat, Hillel, Newman Club and the Office of Jewish Student Life and Interfaith Programs, the Palooza serves as both a fundraiser and a celebration of the winter season.

Students and staff are able to purchase a holiday token—such as a candy cane, dreidel, hand henna, etc., and the profits of the purchase are donated to charity. This year the student clubs have chosen to give to the Wait House in Glens Falls, a program that helps homeless youth in Warren and Washington counties by providing emergency shelter, transitional living, aftercare and permanent housing assistance programs. Previously, funds raised at the Palooza have been given to the Shelters of Saratoga, Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, and typhoon relief in the Philippines.

In exchange for your purchase, you are welcome to paint the windows in the dining hall atrium with different decorations and expressions of the season. In the past images have included seasonal greetings in more than 10 different languages, Christmas trees, menorahs and Kwanza lights and Snoopy, everyone’s favorite beagle. The window paintings are very beautiful and stay up through the end of the semester, due to the care and oversight of the dining hall and facilities staff. We are grateful for their help.

Today’s program culminates with Skidmore acapella groups providing music from 6 to 7 p.m.

Please stop by the dining hall atrium today to donate dollar and share goodwill during the cold winter season. All are welcome.