Kent State University faculty, staff and students are invited to join in creating Holiday Peace Baskets on Saturday, Dec. 5, between 9 a.m. and noon at the King Kennedy Community Center, located at 6660 Garfield Road in Ravenna. If you cannot make it at 9 a.m., please join when you can.
The Peace basket Project, now in its 19th year, was started in 1997 by the Professional Women of Kent State University, when a group of members created baskets of “little things” to share with the residents served by the King Kennedy Community Center. While the Professional Women of Kent State University is no longer active, this annual event continues with the support of members of the Kent State community. 
More than 110 gift baskets were created for needy families in the area last year. Donations such as kitchen items, personal grooming items, school supplies and small stocking stuffers for children will be assembled into decorated baskets and boxes, and will be distributed to the residents that the King Kennedy Community Center services during the center’s Christmas party.
The following Holiday Helpers are needed:
- As a Prep Elf: Volunteers are needed on Friday, Dec. 4, 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the King Kennedy Community Center to prepare for the basket assembly day.
- As an Elf: Join in a continental breakfast and help to assemble baskets and boxes of needed items on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the King Kennedy Community Center. Breakfast and decorating materials will be provided.
- As an Absentee Angel: Donate a $10 holiday helper fee to be used toward the purchase of shrink wrapping, gift bags, ribbons and bows. You’ll be with us in spirit.
- As Santa’s Shopper: Donate items to be used to fill the baskets, such as toiletries, personal grooming products, small stocking stuffers (socks, jewelry, nail polish, stuffed animals, small toys, books or other children’s items), kitchen items and school supplies. For men: cologne, socks, caps and hats, games for teenagers and other young men's items. Shoe boxes wrapped with holiday paper and other items can be taken to the drop-off points listed below.
- As a Holiday Knitter: Hand-knitted or crocheted scarves and caps for kids will be accepted.
To make the Dec. 5 activities go smoothly, all items to be donated should be dropped off at the Division of Student Affairs, Room 250, Kent Student Center, beginning Nov. 23.
For more information about the Peace Basket Project, contact Barb Boltz at 330-672-1306 or email bboltz@kent.edu.