In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Hampden-Sydney College (H-SC) students, faculty and staff are focusing on giving back to the community first, a Monday, Nov. 25, college press release noted.

Officials stated in the release that the office of student affairs has been busy collecting boxes of toys for the Christmas Mother toy drive, while the H-SC Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has collected and delivered nearly 600 cans of food to the FACES food pantry; they will continue collecting jackets, coats and warm clothing through the new year.

The holidays on a men’s college campus wouldn’t be complete, however, without a little friendly competition, so the students have challenged the faculty and staff to the Tigers Challenge book drive to benefit the Virginia Children’s Book Festival, the release continued. Students and staff will hand out the books to boys and girls at the Farmville Jaycees Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec. 1.

Beginning this year, the college will hold an inaugural tree-decorating contest in which the entire community is invited to win bragging rights for the best-decorated tree, officials said in the release. The trees will adorn the Bortz Library main lobby, and the winners will be announced at a community gathering on Dec. 6.

The release cited that amidst final projects and exam preparation, Hampden-Sydney students will continue their traditional fraternity circle and freshman Christmas light contest. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the lighting of Venable Hall. To celebrate the last week of classes, the Hampden-Sydney community will gather to enjoy appearances by its favorite faculty and staff, cookie decorating, family crafts, refreshments, fellowship and the annual visit with Santa.

The release concluded with a schedule of events. Events still active are listed below.

If you give:

• Coat Drive, collecting until January in TigeRec Fitness Center

If you go:

• Nov. 21-Dec. 5, Tree-Decorating Contest in Bortz Library

• Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m.: Visit With Santa; 7 p.m.: Grand Illumination of Venable Hall

• Dec. 6, 4 p.m.: Tree-Decorating Contest Finale in main lobby of Bortz Library