Rutherford, NJ—On December 6, the Feast Day of Saint Nicholas, students at Felician College did their part for children. After collecting and refurbishing old story books, students in two education classes created a dozen “book bags” filled with books, small toys and candy for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program of St. Joseph’s Hospital, a federally-funded special supplemental nutritional program for women, infants and children.

“As a teacher, I had a collection of story books with very old covers and decided this would be a great volunteer project for my students,” said Assistant Professor of Teacher Education Dr. Dulcie Freeman, who directed the effort. “We are such a wasteful society in general, and having the opportunity to take something old and worn and turn it into something beautiful is exhilarating.” This new tradition that began in the season of giving will extend throughout the year, says Freeman, so that the spirit of giving remains in the hearts of students year-round.

If you would like to donate old children’s books to be refurbished for underprivileged children, please send them to: Dr. Dulcie Freeman, The Department of Teacher Education, Felician College, 223 Montross Avenue, Rutherford, NJ 07070.

In existence since 1979, the WIC Program of St. Joseph’s Hospital provides nutrition counseling and education, healthcare referrals, breastfeeding promotion and support, immunization and screening, and other services to low-income, high risk women, infants and children. It also provides vouchers for free nutritious food prescribed specifically for each client according to health status and nutritional risk. The program currently has a monthly enrollment of 19,000 clients. For information on donating gifts to the WIC Program of St. Joseph’s Hospital, please call 973-754-4575.

Felician College is a coeducational, liberal arts, Catholic College founded in the Franciscan tradition by the Felician Sisters in 1942. With campuses in Lodi and Rutherford, NJ, Felician College enrolls 1500 students in 40 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and sciences, health sciences and teacher education. A member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Division II, Felician College’s Golden Falcons compete in baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, cheerleading, cross-country and track.