FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Many university departments and business offices have casual Fridays. But Enrollment Services at the University of Arkansas adds a twist. Every two weeks the division hosts a Thursday "Jeans Day." (Fridays are packed with visitors, so jeans are reserved for a less busy day.) Staff members who wish to wear jeans (and many who do not) contribute at least one dollar. Since 2003, first Admissions and now Enrollment Services has used the funds from the annual "Jeans Day" fundraiser to provide children associated with EOA Children's House clothing and gifts for the holiday season.

This year, Enrollment Services staff members raised over $1,100 — enough to buy clothing for four children and add numerous toys to the Children's House Christmas Store, where families will pick gifts for their children.

"We greatly appreciate the generosity of Enrollment Services at the University of Arkansas, as well as the many other organizations who have given time and funding to Children's House," said Lance Johnson, program director of EOA Children's Services. "Each gift brightens a child's holiday, and we are really pleased to have this annual support."

"Enrollment Services is actively engaged in a variety of community service efforts, and this is one of our favorite projects of the year.  Everyone on our team is involved in some way by donating funds and then wrapping and delivering gifts," said Suzanne McCray, vice provost for enrollment services and dean of admissions. "Special thanks go to Kathi Davidson, who organizes the effort for Enrollment Services, and to all those who have given, both in and outside of our offices."

EOA Children's House is a child development and crisis intervention program providing services to children under the age of five who have been abused or neglected. It is the only center for long-term early childhood abuse prevention and treatment in Arkansas. For more information, or to learn about opportunities to support Children's House, visit www.childrenshousenwa.org or call 479-927-1232.

PHOTO BY JOHN BALTZ