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As the University of North Georgia (UNG) continues to celebrate its Sesquicentennial, it continues a long list of traditions, including two community-supporting holiday events.

Hosted by UNG's Staff Council, "Helpful Harvest" and "Spirit of Christmas" support local nonprofit organizations.

Helpful Harvest, a tradition on the Gainesville Campus, featured a catered luncheon with live and silent auctions on Nov. 18 in the Cleveland Ballroom of the Nesbitt Building. The live auction consisted of gift baskets donated by UNG departments and supporters. These donated baskets are also entered into a contest to win the coveted Golden Pig trophy, which the winning department will keep until next year's event. This year's winner was the biology department with their "Family Game Night" basket. Proceeds from this year's event will be divided between the UNG Food Pantry and the staff book scholarship fund for the Gainesville Campus.  

"This is a tradition near and dear to the hearts of many on the Gainesville Campus, particularly any who spend time in the Student Center and see how many students benefit from the provisions available in the Food Pantry," Dr. Kristie Kiser, student success coordinator, said. "I believe that the addition of our pantry was one of the most beneficial steps we've taken as a campus toward student success. Staff Council is proud to collaborate with the dedicated pantry staff to ensure that our students' basic needs are being met."

This is a tradition near and dear to the hearts of many on the Gainesville Campus, particularly any who spend time in the Student Center and see how many students benefit from the provisions available in the Food Pantry.

Dr. Kristie Kiser

UNG student success coordinator

"The impact that 'Spirit of Christmas' has on the Dahlonega community, along with seeing how we are able to give back as an institution, brings a lot of joy to us," Sean Evett, UNG Staff Council co-vice chair, said.

Staff Council member Melissa Walton has a long history with the Dahlonega-based event, having been with UNG since 2005.

"I know this year there is a bigger need than last year because of the increase in the cost of everything," Walton said. "Being able to help Community Helping Place is very important. It has been every year, but the past couple of years, and this year, it's especially important."

Evett said he looked forward to the event every year.

"This is our first year since the pandemic and we're bringing a lot of our traditions back," he said. "It's a sense of normalcy, and it is something staff looks forward to. They enjoy the door prizes and raffles."