During the holidays it is always important to remember the real reason for the season: giving back. Whether it was by volunteering or collecting toys for those less fortunate, there was no shortage of good Panther deeds throughout the nation. Here are just some of the ways our regional chapters chose to pay it forward:

This holiday season the Metro Houston Alumni Chapter expressed their spirit and showcased FIU’s passion for giving back by joining forces with Houston’s Children’s Charity in order to adopt a family in need. The chapter’s adopted family consists of two children: a four-year-old girl who can’t get enough of Frozen and a ten-year-old boy who loves anything WWE. On December 6, the chapter celebrated the holidays with a party dedicated to wrapping gifts for the family — all donated by the chapter members.  The chapter will be delivering these gifts in the next coming weeks!

Spearheaded by Mark Coulton ’79, the Broward Alumni Chapter lent a helping hand at the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Broward Holiday Party on December 6. Thirty-nine FIU graduates volunteered to assist in managing the food service area for 400+ expected attendees. They took care of all food logistics — from cooking & set up to serving the guests to then cleaning up. Our volunteers embraced this rewarding opportunity to make a difference during the holidays and showed their willingness to service their local community!

On December 11, the Greater New York Alumni Chapter followed suit by hosting a Toys for Tots drive during their holiday karaoke contest & party. During the event, chapter members collected new, unwrapped toys to benefit families in need. Guests also got to enjoy a night of karaoke in a private VIP Panther Den, delicious appetizers, happy hour specials and spirited networking with fellow Big Apple Panthers – all while remembering the true meaning of the holidays!