BCCares hosts annual Christmas party for Siouxlanders with disabilities

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
December 22, 2005

Briar Cliff University's BCCares hosted its annual Christmas party for mentally and physically challenged Siouxland residents on Dec. 15 in the St. Francis Center on Briar Cliff's campus.

BCCares is an organization that provides opportunities to students that volunteer their time to projects on the BCU campus and within the Siouxland community.

About 130 residents and staff from Siouxland Residential Services, Mid-Step Services and Opportunities Unlimited enjoyed a Christmas lunch served by Briar Cliff volunteers. The residents arrived at Briar Cliff between 10:30 and 11:20 a.m. and lunch was served at about 11:30 a.m.

According to Sister Janet May, campus minister at BCU, there were about 50 students, faculty, staff and administrators who helped with the lunch.

"I thought it was very personable," said Sister Janet. "They were waiters at the table. They would help them get seated. They were visiting with them and giving them hugs. They were having a great time."

Christmas music was played during the arrival of the residents and throughout lunch by Sister Arnold Staudt, OSF, on the piano and her guitar students.

Bev Wharton, president of Briar Cliff University, welcomed those gathered before the beginning of the meal. Mike Jensen, special projects coordinator for BCCares, acted as the master of ceremonies and led the meal prayer.

"I have helped with this every year because it brings out the true meaning of Christmas," said Rose Langer, a senior at BCU. "I also know a portion of the clients because I work at Opportunities Unlimited."

Lunch was provided through donations from students of meals from their meal plans and was prepared by Aramark, Briar Cliff's food service.

Following lunch, the Briar Cliff Carolers, dressed in their costumes, sang Christmas carols for the residents inviting them to join in when they knew the song.

Sister Janet mentioned that since she has been a part of the Christmas party for three years now, she is starting to know the names of the residents.

"They just light up if you remember their name," said Sister Janet. "I think people with disabilities have a lot to teach us. It makes us stop and think of the struggles they have and how they deal with limitations."

Santa Claus made a special appearance at the Christmas party. Santa and two elves, Langer and Mari Lavin, distributed gifts to all residents in attendance - about 103 - at the end of lunch. The gifts were provided by student organizations, individual students, staff and faculty of Briar Cliff.

Langer thinks this party is "an awesome opportunity for Briar Cliff students to give. You can choose to sponsor a resident and buy the presents. If you can't do that, you can volunteer your time and serve food or visit with them."

"It's Christmas," said Sister Janet. "It really calls us to open our hearts to people who have less than we do. There is that spirit of giving that is in everyone's heart at Christmas time."

After Santa's visit, the group sang a few more carols and the residents were then taken home.

"I think it is great for Briar Cliff to do some outreach work and for them to become more acquainted with people who have disabilities," said Sister Janet. "Often times, for some people, this is their big Christmas. They look forward to it. They get so excited about coming up here."

Jensen commented that when he saw the smiles on some of the residents faces, he could tell that it might be their only Christmas and how thankful they are.

"One of the residents kissed Santa on the cheek and told him she wanted a DVD player next year," said Jensen.