FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – This year has been different in too many ways to count. One tradition, however, has carried calmly on during 2020. Every other Thursday throughout the year, staff in Enrollment Services participated in a "Jeans Day" tradition to raise funds that provide gifts and goods to local children during the holiday season.

As part of the division's fundraiser, which has happened each year since 2003, staff members wear jeans to work and contribute a dollar to support EOA Children's House, a local charity. In 2020, the team has raised nearly $800, enough to provide a number of toys and a small donation to Children's House.

"We are extremely fortunate for the generosity and continued support of Enrollment Services at the University of Arkansas, as well as the many other individuals and organizations who have given time and funding to Children's House," said Lance Johnson, EOA director of Children's Services. "As a community action agency, EOA is able to further our reach throughout Northwest Arkansas through these types of community partnerships. Each gift brightens a child's holiday, and we are really pleased to have this annual support."

"Children's House does terrific work helping children and families in need, and we are pleased to be able to contribute in a small way to their efforts," said Suzanne McCray, vice provost of Enrollment Services. "Thanks go to Kathi Davidson, our master shopper, who coordinates buying toys and other needed items and delivering them to Children's House."

Founded in 1978, EOA Children's House provides services and support to children under the age of five who have faced abuse, neglect, or other adverse experiences. The organization is one of the nation's largest long-term centers for early childhood abuse prevention and treatment, and the only center of its kind in Arkansas. For more information, or to learn about ways to support Children's House, visit www.childrenshousenwa.org or call (479) 927-1232.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 3 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.