SPH Community Throws Holiday Party for Barkley Neighbors.

For the third year in a row, children from the Ruth Lillian Barkley Apartments received holiday gifts at a party thrown thanks to a fundraiser by the Students of Color for Public Health.

At the December 14 party, children up to 10 years old from the public housing development near campus received toys from the Toys for Tots Foundation. Older kids received gift cards thanks to the fundraiser.

“This party happens because of some serious teamwork, the fancy logistical footwork of the Activist Lab, and plenty of good will and enthusiasm,” says Jessica Christian, president of Students of Color for Public Health. Boston Housing Authority staff also helped make the party happen, along with donations from the Boston University Medical Center Community Engagement Office, Whole Foods South End, and Foodie’s Market.

This year, Christian says the fundraiser raised $2,590—more than $800 over last year—for 200 children and 80 teens.

Staff from Student Services and the Activist Lab joined the Students of Color for Public Health to organize and wrap the gifts and put on the party. Harold Cox, head of the Activist Lab and associate dean for public health practice, also reprised his role as Santa for the party.

“The Barkley Holiday Party is a wonderful way for our school community to be involved in our local community,” Cox says. “We want to thank the SPH community for donating. Due to the generosity of this community, every infant, child, and teen who lives at the Barkley Apartments received a present.”

“Working on this project, even with the hectic end-of-semester workload, has reminded me that we are a public health school that embraces and serves the community—no matter the season or reason,” Christian says.

“I want our neighboring community to know they can rely on us.”

—Michelle Samuels