"Our Own Tree for the Holidays" returns to CCGA

Brunswick, GA – The holiday season for many represents a joyous time to be had with family and friends, but for others it can be stressful and financially burdensome. That is why Phyllis Broadwell, Director of Human Resources at College of Coastal Georgia, and her team have continued the annual “Our Own Tree” project to help support employees and their families who may need some additional assistance during the holiday season.

Each year, “Our Own Tree” assists between seven and 12 families. This year, 11 families — 35 of whom are children — are in need of assistance. More than $850 worth of donations were received through the generosity of our own employees and community partners. Some of the gifts are bikes, trikes, riding toys and basketball goals. In addition, each child has one to five outfits provided.

The project, which is in its fourth year, is intended to benefit children in an employee’s immediate family. That includes children, grandchildren or other legal dependents ages 16 and younger. The employees needing assistance are asked to complete a form and seal it in an envelope marked “confidential.” The employees who donate are asked to pick a tag of “Our Own” CCGA boats off of the tree, purchase the item listed and then bring it to the HR Office unwrapped for distribution.

As we continue this CCGA tradition, Broadwell said she is appreciative and thankful to all who help make this event happen. “I can’t thank you enough and wish I could share pictures of excitement and tears of appreciation as individuals pick up much-needed gifts. We truly appreciate all of our staff and faculty and this is just a small way to show them we care,” Broadwell said.

Pictured, from left to right, are Anjee Tucker, Human Resources Assistant, Phyllis Broadwell, Director of Human Resources, and Heather Kennedy, Human Resources Generalist.

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College of Coastal Georgia is an undergraduate college in the University System of Georgia. Located on Georgia’s coast, the College campus is in Brunswick with additional outreach through the Camden Center in Kingsland. The vision of the College is to be a college of choice for students within Georgia and beyond, providing an outstanding education for tomorrow’s leaders and citizens through service learning, global awareness and engaged entrepreneurship. With a strong emphasis on student retention, progression and timely graduation, the College offers baccalaureate degrees in American Studies, Biological Sciences, Business Administration, Education, Health Informatics, Mathematics, Nursing (BSN), Psychology and Public Affairs as well as career associate degrees in Culinary Arts, Clinical Lab Technology, Nursing (ASN) and Radiologic Science. A veterans-friendly campus, the College is a designated Yellow Ribbon School. Approximately 3,000 students are served by more than 200 staff members and a teaching faculty of whom 52% hold doctoral degrees. CCGA is an active participant in the Complete College Georgia initiative designed to support community partnerships and develop the critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills necessary to address the challenges of 21st century economic development and community wellbeing. For more information, visit the College website: https://www.ccga.edu

Contact: Brittany Tate

(912) 279-5938