A&M International High Twisters Granting Kids' Christmas Wishes

Texas A&M International University's High Twisters dance team are making sure a group of 5- and 6-year-olds are granted their Christmas wishes this holiday season. Through a Wish Tree Project, the High Twisters "adopted" some 44 children from the kindergarten classes of Kennedy-Zapata Elementary School and Dovalina Elementary School.

High Twisters sponsor Araceli Rangel, director of the University's Office of Financial Aid, explained the Wish Tree Project was undertaken to "put a smile on a child's face."

Principals at each school provided the High Twisters with each kindergartner's name and wish list. The children's wish lists include books, toy cars, balls, dolls, and bikes.

Every High Twister selected one child from the list and purchased a gift from that child's wish list. The High Twisters also asked other members of the University community to grant a Christmas wish for each remaining child.

Through the dedicated work of the High Twisters and the generosity of the University community, every child on the Wish Tree will receive a brightly wrapped gift containing one of the child's Christmas wishes.

The High Twisters will deliver the Wish Tree presents to Kennedy-Zapata Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 9 a.m. and to Dovalina Elementary on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. Santa Claus will make a special appearance at both events to help the High Twisters present the gifts and host a party for them.

"We first undertook this Project three years ago. Once we saw what a difference it made to the children, we committed to conducting the Project every year. After all, every child should be granted their Christmas wish," said Rangel.

For more information on the High Twisters Dance Team or their community service projects, please contact Rangel at 326-2225. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu