Written By:  Lia Armistead

The holiday season is upon us and VSU is hosting many events in the next week to help students, faculty and staff get in the holiday spirit while finishing the semester.

VSU community members have an opportunity to help a child in need this holiday season by becoming a Holiday Helper.

“For a child who faces poverty, they shouldn’t be ignored simply because they are without,” art major Chandler Makuta said. “This is the time of year to show everyone they matter.”

Patricipants will choose an ornament from the Holiday Helper Tree located in the Student Life office located on the third floor of the Student Union. The ornament will have the name of a child and the helper will purchase a gift for that specific child.

“I think [Holiday Helper] is important because the holidays [are] about happiness,” said senior Joe Risby. “This provides kids with the gift of happiness that they wouldn’t have been able to have before.”

Participants will receive a discount card for the bookstore. Students, faculty and staff can become a helper until 3 p.m. on Dec. 12, when the gifts are due.

The VSU Women’s Choir, Men’s Choir, Chambers Singers and Spotlighters will conduct their annual holiday candlelight concert at the West Hall Rotunda on Sunday at 3 p.m., with shows at 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. The concert will feature traditional German, Austrian, French, English and Welsh carols as well as the seasonal classics.

“Finals are stressful, so seeing people sing carols or participate in the Holiday Helper reminds us what this time of the year is all about,” said senior Katie Alligood.

Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for students with the proceeds going to an international tour planned for the Chambers Singers in 2017.

The bookstore will host an “11 Days of Christmas Holiday Sale,” which began on Dec. 1. The VSU Bookstore Facebook page will post deals for each separate day.

On Friday, the Astronomy department will host a Planetarium show called The Season of Light starting at 7 p.m., with shows at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The show will explore the reasons why people around the world are so intrigued with lights, decorations and traditions during the December holiday season. While exploring these reasons, the show will also trace the history and development of the world’s holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season.

Seating is limited to 47 guests; however, tickets are free for all shows and may be obtained at the planetarium in Nevins Hall beginning at 6 p.m.