When someone in the A-State family is experiencing uncommon hardship during the holiday season, the Staff Senate's large group of eager volunteers known as Santa's Wolves often step in and lighten the burden. Sheryl Puckett, director of card services and campus card manager, is one of the many staff members who keep Santa's Wolves mission-focused each year. Details are online; direct gifts to Santa's Wolves through ASU Foundation, Inc.

Dr. Evelyn Taylor, assistant professor of social work, master's program director, and department chair, commits a major portion of her time to working with and advising students through A-State CARE (Community Action Reinforcing Empowerment). CARE develops programming for local people needing assistance, primarily in north Jonesboro. She is involved in several areas of assistance, working directly with individuals, including children, as well as families.

Jeff McLaughlin, assistant professor of theatre, works with 61 Scouts, kindergarten through fifth grade, as Cub Master for Pack 134. The boys and girls learn from activities such as camping at Crowley's Ridge State Park, volunteering at the Food Pantry, visiting a senior center, learning about flag etiquette, and marching in the Christmas Parade. In January, they will race cars in their Pinewood Derby.

Children treated without charge at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital can give some of the credit to students who support the hospital's mission through the Up 'til Dawn program on college campuses. Katey Provence, coordinator of student services, Leadership Center, is adviser to students on the Up 'til Dawn team and others in service and philanthropic projects, including the campus Food Pantry that serves employees and students.

Dr. Charles Hartwig, emeritus professor of political science, has filled several leadership positions in the Jonesboro University Heights Lions Club since joining in 1989. Now president for a second time, he recently worked with Department of Art + Design students who judged the club's Peace Poster Contest. In support of Lions Clubs' worldwide mission, the club sponsored free vision screenings for about 2,000 children at area schools and daycares.