Project Christmas Elf expands into county

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- The success of Project Christmas Elf in Butler County is allowing it to expand this year to Lawrence County so additional needy children can have their holiday wishes fulfilled.
The program, started in 1989, allows Slippery Rock University offices, faculty, staff, students and organizations, as well as community individuals, groups, schools and others, to "adopt" a needy child by agreeing to fulfill the child's Christmas wish list.
First names, gender, clothing sizes and other details are provided by the Salvation Army offices in Butler and New Castle. SRU's recent programming expansion into Lawrence County, including its I Care House and I Care Garden on Court Street, has allowed the Elf Project to expand to New Castle as well. Since its inception, nearly 2,000 have had their holidays brightened by the program.
Anyone interested in becoming involved is asked to call (724) 738-2273 for details or "adoption" information. A "Gathering of Gifts" reception will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Russell Wright Alumni House.
The collected gifts will then be delivered to the appropriate Salvation Army for holiday distribution.