The Student Christian Association invited the Erskine community to a Christmas celebration on Dec. 2, with music, food, and drama.

The Erskine College Choraleers and the Erskine Chamber Singers, directed by Dr. Kim Renas, displayed their talents at a special Christmas convocation held Dec. 3, with the Christmas story read by Chaplain Jay West.

On the evening of Dec. 3, the Choraleers continued to spread Christmas cheer as they opened this year's South Carolina Colonial Christmas festivities in the Bowie Arts Center. Following a new script and making beautiful music together, the Choraleers delighted guests at a total of five Colonial Christmas seatings Dec. 3-5.

The Due West Christmas Parade on Dec. 4 brought Santa to town, and Erskine president and first lady Dr. and Mrs. John Carson were among those riding in the parade and tossing candy along the road to eager children.

The lighting of the "Tree of Life," which stands on Main Street across from the Due West A.R.P. Church, was accomplished in a ceremony following the parade. Donations to the Tree of Life project (still being accepted at the Town Hall, Due West Cafe, the Commercial Bank in Donalds, and Due West Retirement Center) benefit the Due West Rescue Squad as well as charities supported by the Lions Club.

Meanwhile, back in Belk Hall, the small Christmas tree in the lobby has been "undecorated" as Erskine students, faculty and staff demonstrate the Christmas spirit by sharing with others. The Erskine staff organization "Erskine College Association of Educational Office Professionals" (ECAEOP) is sponsoring a family this year and as of this writing all gift opportunity tags on the tree have disappeared.

Several beautifully wrapped gifts have already been received in Room 312 Belk Hall as have several checks (checks and cash will be used for Christmas gifts and gift certificates for our Christmas family). All donations must be received by Thursday, Dec. 10. Please call Joyce Guyette at 379-8858 if you have any questions about this project.