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'Tis the Season: VU gives back across communities

Large group of college students with some wearing holiday hats standing or sitting next to laundry baskets decorated for the holiday and filled with new donated items

December 19, 2025

VINCENNES, Ind. - Vincennes University continues its mission of service this holiday season, as VU students, staff, and faculty unite to support surrounding communities in a spirit of generosity and goodwill.

VU supported 95 children and 51 families through the University’s long-standing Christmas Families Project. This was made possible by the generosity of VU faculty and staff. They donated new toys, clothes, shoes, books, gift cards, and more to students and families from all six schools in the Vincennes Community School Corporation: Vigo, Riley, Franklin, Tecumseh-Harrison elementary schools, Clark Middle School, and Lincoln High School.

2 females with one holding a large holiday gift bag while the other looks on decorated gifts and furniture is in the background of an office

Meeting the needs of students also spurred a partnership between the VU Bowling Center and the VU Student Success Center. They are hosting a special Food and Coat Drive on Dec. 19 and 20. Donations benefit Sandy’s Pantry, which serves VU students by helping address food insecurity and basic needs throughout the academic year.

Additionally, VU Athletics spread holiday spirit by hosting a toy drive during a Dec. 8 basketball doubleheader. This event supported the University’s Toys for Tots drive, ensuring that no child feels forgotten on Christmas.

A cardboard bin box filled with colorful stuffed animals and toys

Serving All Generations

The spirit of service extended across generations as VU students, staff, and faculty volunteers gathered at Jefferson Student Union to assemble baskets for the VU Generations Area 13 Agency on Aging & Disability’s 17th annual Build-A-Basket project. Filled with everyday essentials, the baskets provide older adults and individuals with disabilities across six counties, including Knox, Greene, Daviess, Dubois, Martin, and Pike, with items such as dish soap, toothpaste, and deodorant.

Group photo of college students with laundry baskets filled with items for the holidays

Creative Fundraising

In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, VU students in the Ceramics Club and Culinary Arts program partnered to support Helping His Hands. Students in the Ceramics Club created around 120 one-of-a-kind bowls, while students in the Culinary Arts program prepared three kinds of delicious soups. They sold the soup in the handcrafted bowls for $15. All proceeds went to Helping His Hands, which operates a food pantry in Vincennes.

A diverse group of students serving good and 2 adults hold bowls that are being filled

VU thanks everyone involved and all those committed to serving others throughout the year. Happy Holidays!

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