Despite a struggling economy, Ball State University's Angel Tree drive raised donations that far surpassed the numbers expected for 143 children, or "angels," Leicia McHugh, a program assistant with AmeriCorps, said.
AmeriCorps is a federal program designed to help impoverished Americans and those in need. Student Voluntary Services and the Muncie Department of Child Services teamed up for the organization's Angel Tree donation service, which ran from Nov. 16 to Dec. 4.
Ball State began the program 18 years ago and has been donating toys, clothes and other things to needy children during the holidays.
"We had students and staff members donating extra toys to the kids," McHugh said.
According to its Web site, SVS set up mini tree angels in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center and the Atrium during the donation drive to promote it.
Despite the extra donations this year, students said they thought that because of tight budgets, not many would have been able to donate.
"Students have to manage their money," freshman Mike Roman said, "but if I had spare money, I would've helped out."
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