With the holiday season in full swing, many organizations and students on campus have found their own way to keep the spirit alive. This is true for two popular bars on campus as well, which have a history of coming up with fun ways to celebrate the season.
Joe’s Brewery advocates spreading Christmas joy through philanthropy. Initiated by Luke Henry, general manager, Joe’s staff adopts an underprivileged local family every year to provide them with gifts and clothing during the holiday season. This program has been in effect for six years and every year the bar adopts a different family either through the Cunningham Children’s Home, the Crisis Nursery or the University.
They found this year’s family through the University.
“Most of the families we get only ask for clothing items such as coats and mittens. But we always try to get some other gifts,” said Karsten Long, manager and organizer of the event. “We can’t just let their kids go through Christmas without any toys.”
In order to raise money to buy these gifts, employees begin donating money to a piggy bank in November, normally putting in some of the tips they receive each night.
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“Everyone loves to participate. We all just put a little money in and by the middle of December, we have enough to get everything we need for the family,” Long added.
After enough money is raised, Long and Henry buy gifts from the wish list as well as some extra presents for the children.
Taking a different approach to celebrating the holidays, KAM’s tradition is a Secret Santa gift exchange.
Milosh Lukovic, senior in LAS and manager at KAM’s said, “Normally, we give each other gag gifts and it’s a lot of fun, but this year, with the way finals are scheduled, we won’t be able to do the Secret Santa.”
Some employees at KAM’s reminisce about the gifts they have received. “Sometimes, people just give alcohol,” said Stefanie Fitterer, senior in AHS and bartender at Kam’s.
“The most interesting gift I ever received was a Shake Weight. It’s one of those As-Seen-On-TV things that no one really knows how to use.”
Though this Secret Santa ritual will not be taking place this year, employees at KAM’s still plan to celebrate with their annual Christmas party.
With Joe’s and KAM’s engaging in these holiday festivities, it seems everyone in Campustown is excited to celebrate the holiday season.
Jolie can be reached at [email protected]
