December 12, 2025

Wheeling University Partners with Salvation Army to Make Christmas Brighter for Local Children

Wheeling, W.Va., December 12 - Wheeling University students, faculty and staff partnered with the Salvation Army to make the holidays brighter for children in the Ohio Valley again this year.

"I am grateful to all our students and employees who donated toys and clothing to make the holiday season brighter for so many children again this year. Our mission calls us to be men and women in service to others, and it is wonderful to see how the Wheeling University community lives this mission," said Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D., president of Wheeling University.

The Student Affairs staff led the drive to have Wheeling University students, faculty, athletic teams and staff sponsor children who were part of The Salvation Army Angel Tree project.

This marks the second year that Wheeling University partnered with The Salvation Army on the Angel Tree project.

"I wish to thank my staff for organizing the project again this year. It is heartwarming to see how the Wheeling University family came together to help young people in our community have a special Christmas," said Mike Geibel, Dean of Students.

"Wheeling University has stepped up once again to help our community through The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program by adopting 100 Angels this year. Each Angel represents a child in our community in need. We are grateful for the partnership Wheeling University has had with us which has blessed many people through their generosity and community involvement, said Lt. John Lawrence of The Salvation Army.

He noted that in addition to helping area children at Christmas, the Wheeling University football players helped the organization move into its new Service Center in Moundsville. Lawrence also thanked the University mascot, Iggy, for its help during the Red Kettle Campaign.

"It is partners like them that allow us to keep our promise to 'Do the Most Good,'" he added. Recognizing that every child deserves to feel the wonder of Christmas, The Salvation Army Angel Tree program provides new clothing and toys to more than one-million children nationwide in need each year. Donors pick an 'angel' tag and purchase items requested by that individual. Once all of the items are collected, The Salvation Army picks those gifts and distributes them to the families to place under their tree on Christmas morning.