Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - Traditions tend to have great significance throughout the world. They come in many different forms and are displayed with just as many different ideas. Well - 31 years ago, Wilgus Hall started the tradition of giving a Christmas party to approximately 20 children and their parents from the community. This year was no exception as student's readied Wilgus Hall for the party they were going to give on Saturday, Dec. 6.

The long-standing tradition started when the Platteville School District social worker introduced the idea to Wilgus Hall when they were looking for a community project. The idea stuck due to the response, and the many families appreciation for being chosen to partake in the activities.

The current social worker, Nancy Bongers selected the invitee's and asked the parents to provide ideas for a gift that their child might want. Students from Wilgus Hall were delegated to purchase the gifts based on the list. A student Santa Claus gave each child a gift and a stocking filled with mittens, gloves or a scarf.

Children delighted in finger painting reindeer, making ornaments with candy canes and light bulbs, cookie decorating, and Santa Claus time, while enjoying catered snack food.

Donations from Wal-Mart, The Thrift Shop, and many individuals on and off campus helped Wilgus Hall to continue the tradition of helping needy people at a giving time of the year.