FROM ONU.EDU/NEWS__Every Christmas season, Brenda Hamlin and Sherry Agin witness the profound truth that “it’s more blessed to give than to receive.”

For decades, the Ohio Northern University staff members have facilitated a joyful, annual tradition from their desks in the Admissions Office: connecting Christmas wish lists from children in need across Hardin County with ONU students, faculty, and staff.

They’ve encountered so many cheerful givers and acts of generosity over the years that, according to Sherry, they’ve concluded “giving is good for your soul.”

Brenda started the program at ONU 36 years ago, and Sherry has shared in the responsibilities for the past 25 years. Their work provides essential support to local families, given that approximately 18 percent of Hardin County residents live below the poverty line. Many of the children they serve are being raised by grandparents or great-grandparents on fixed incomes, explained Brenda.

To run the program, they coordinate with Helping Hands Outreach Ministry in Kenton, obtaining the wish lists for approximately 75 to 100 children and teens each year.

While Santa checks his list twice, Brenda and Sherry check theirs “three, four, or five times,” Sherry laughed.

Their role requires meticulous care. They make sure every child is adopted, that children in the same families have the same number of gifts, and that every gift is wrapped and delivered to Kenton on time.

Despite the effort, they don’t view their role as special. Instead, they prefer to share countless stories of generosity they’ve witnessed.

The Polar Bear women’s basketball team, for example, adopts a family every year and shops for the gifts together. Wrestling coach Ron Beaschler and his players collect toys as an entrance fee for a wrestling tournament every year. One former ONU staff member would donate a new bike and helmet annually, having his children help him pick it out and put it together.

For Brenda and Sherry, seeing the happiness that people get from giving makes all their time and effort worthwhile.

“Students, faculty, and staff take names and make memories with their families, and that’s what it’s all about,” Brenda said.

They also cherish numerous stories of divine providence, such as when specific donations arrive right when they’re needed.

“Every year the Lord blesses us and tells people exactly what they need to do,” said Sherry.

Looking ahead, they hope that same providence plays a role in finding a staff member or campus organization willing to take over the program when they retire from ONU.

As Brenda noted: “I always believe you can’t go wrong when you pay it forward.”