OSU’s Student Volunteer Center kicks off annual Angel Tree program
Monday, November 24, 2025
Media Contact: Jeff Hopper | Communications and Media Relations Manager | 405-744-5827 | jeff.hopper@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University’s Student Volunteer Center hosted its annual Angel Tree fundraiser event Wednesday at the Student Union Plaza.
The Angel Tree program provides the OSU and Stillwater communities with an opportunity to come together and bring hope to the holidays for local underprivileged children by donating gifts for them to open this Christmas.
OSU President Jim Hess spoke at the event, reflecting on how this program embodies the Cowboy Code.
"At Oklahoma State University, we live by the guiding principles of the Cowboy Code — a reminder that being a Cowboy isn’t in our clothes, it’s in our character,” Hess said. “The Angel Tree is one of the clearest expressions of that code. Every angel on this tree represents a real child and a real opportunity to make a difference."
Live reindeer and free hot cocoa set the holiday scene as students gathered around the trees to adopt angels. Kaiya McDonald, a freshman nursing major, and Jacquelyn Howard, a freshman animal science major, browsed the tree for an angel to adopt.
“It feels great to be able to support people in the community who aren't as fortunate as we are,” Howard said.
Coordinators Haley Osiek and Alex Comer encourage the local community to get involved and give back to their fellow community members.
“I think my biggest thing for the Cowboy family to remember during the holiday season is we can all make a larger impact together,” Osiek said. “We're always going to make a larger impact when we come together rather than if we try to stand alone.”
How to Participate:
- Adopt an angel: Visit the Angel Tree, which is located on the second floor of the Student Union outside of the Campus Life Lounge, to select a tag off the tree. Each tag represents an individual and includes their wish list of items.
- Shop for your gift: Purchase items listed on the tag. Participants are encouraged to commit to fulfilling the requested wish list.
- Return the gift: Bring the unwrapped gift back to the SU 211 front desk by Dec. 5 by 5 p.m.
Story By: Hannah Carl | hannah.carl@okstate.edu