The Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center and African Cultural Association gathered students from the University to volunteer on Wednesday at Champaign’s Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club for Holiday Express, where volunteers created ornaments and Christmas cards with the youth. 

Coordinator DeAmber Jones, junior in ACES, said not only did she enjoy giving back to the community, but she also enjoyed talking to the youth and teaching them the importance of giving back. As the youth and college students worked together to create Christmas accessories for their loved ones, memories were created.

Annchellie Akuamoah, president of ACA senior in ACES, said you can never go wrong with giving back to the community.

“Brightening up others’ holiday season and simply providing others with the basic activities that mean so much to them is what makes me smile,” she said.

Akuamoah said she knows children get excited during the holidays. 

“They went a different way about their day and being a part of that moment of joy and having an impact on their lives is what keeps me going,” she said. 

Jones said they all decided to volunteer today to do their part.

“Teaching the youth to give back is a crucial ingredient to raising a well-rounded individual,” Jones said.

Akuamoah said after Holiday Express, she felt like she gave the youth something to look forward to.

“I was a child once and I didn’t know much about giving back,” Akuamoah said. “Now that I’ve became involved on campus, giving back has become one of my hobbies and I can teach the youth how to do the same for their community.”

Holiday Express was the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center and African Cultural Association’s first annual event.

Nyajai can be reached at [email protected].