This year marks the 15th annual “Gift of Light, Gift of Love” event sponsored by Southern’s Sigma Pi chap- ter in conjunction with the Ronald McDonald House.

The fraternity hopes to raise over $95,000 to exceed last year’s total.

Each year the Ronald Mc– Donald House and Sigma Pi work together to put up the tree displayed outside of Macy’s at the Northpark Mall in Joplin. The tree provides each donor the

opportunity to share the gift of love with the Ron– ald McDonald families.

“Working with the Ron– ald McDonald House of the Four States is a rewarding experience,” said Sigma Pi president and senior gen- eral education major Ben Isenmann. “Being a fan of Christmas myself, I look forward to this event ev– ery year. Knowing that this tree helps so many fami– lies is something I can hold near and dear to my heart.”

He added, “The Gift of Light, Gift of Love tree is just that. It’s a gift of love. Whether you donate time,

money, or both, the tree gives us hope, hope for the future, hope for the fami– lies who stay in the house, hope for the workers who maintain the facility. Sigma Pi has worked very close with this organization over the years and we absolutely love the Ronald McDonald team! We help their vision come to life. It’s a spark of Light in this dark world.”

There are different levels of giving and each amount adds a different aspect to the tree. Donors who give $500- $25,000 receive a plaque with their name on it that is displayed in front of the tree.

The Ronald McDonald House is a non-profit or– ganization that has been open since 1998. It serves families with seriously ill children ages 0-18 who are being treated nearby at Freeman Health System and Mercy Hospital in Jo– plin. The organization is funded through individual and corporate donations.

To purchase an orna- ment or make a dona- tion to benefit the Ron– ald McDonald House, please visit the Gift of Light tree in front of Ma– cy’s in the Northpark Mall Nov. 10-Dec. 31.