It was a cold and cloudy day in Phenix City, but one would not know that based off the smiles and cheer at the Troy University Riverfront Campus.

On Dec. 13, the staff and faculty participated in the annual “Adopt-A-Family” event that has taken place for more than 15 years. The event is a way for faculty and staff to give back to those in the community that may be experiencing hardships during the holiday season. This year, the team was able to contribute over 300 gifts that were given to 32 children across 10 families.

Linda Finley, the Associate Dean of Student Services at the Phenix City Campus, organized and oversaw the event.

“Year in and year out, this event truly brings out the magic of Christmas,” Finley said. “It allows families to experience that wonder of Christmas, and it truly warms my heart to see the joy it brings both the children and parents. This is the event I looked forward to the most throughout the year.”

One of the participants in this year’s event, whose family benefited from the generosity of TROY faculty and staff, said it is a special feeling to know that there are people willing to help.

“This has been a difficult year for our family and knowing there are people out there willing to help means the world to us,” the participant said. “If you watch the news you may feel that it is all gloom and doom, but these people are truly special and full of joy. I just love all the people here at Troy University, and I thank them for making this Christmas so special.”