Community-Academic Partners in Service (CAPS) hosted two events Dec. 4 and 5.
On Saturday, the Community Christmas Fiesta was held at the SACHS Norton Clinic. Nearly 200 LLU students and staff, church groups, neighbors and friends volunteered at the party, bringing joy to 300 children from the community.
Students helped by painting faces, decorating cookies, reading stories and delivering presents. Musicians from the CKC Music program played Christmas songs, and children--assisted by students and local church groups--acted out a nativity play.
Santa Claus was played Dr. Juan Belliard, whose jolly entrance on a horse-drawn carriage was a delight to the children.
Sunday was the first event for the new My Campus program, where minority high school students and their parents were invited to participate in workshops exposing them to health professions.
The event featured a session on public health hosted by School of Public Health students, a tour of the simulation lab and a parent workshop on financial aid.
The highlight was a mentoring session during which LLU students and staff interacted with the students personally, providing insights on the paths LLU students are taking toward their careers in the health professions.
The Community Christmas Fiesta and My Campus are only two of CAPS ongoing community service events and programs. For more information about other events or to participate, call CAPS at 909-651-5011 or email caps@llu.edu.