The office of student life is putting up a Christmas tree in the atrium of Loftin Student Center.

Student activity specialist Carrie Hernandez said the 18-foot artificial tree is installed before Thanksgiving break so it can be ready when students return.

The college closes for Thanksgiving Thursday, and classes resume Monday.

“We do this to spread some cheer before the end-of-the-semester break,” Hernandez said.

The office of student life is asking for volunteers to help decorate the tree Wednesday.

The tree, along with the red, gold and lime green decorations, are provided by the office of student life.

“It’s a lot of physical work. We really need the volunteers to get it up in three days,” Hernandez said. Decorating began Monday.

The holiday tree ceremony will be 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Dec. 4.

The ceremony will have cake and punch for the students and is open for anyone in the college and community.

The Catholic Student Association will sing Christmas carols during the event.

Also bringing their musical abilities to the party is this college’s Music Association. They also will perform Christmas carols.

As a fundraiser, the Onstage Drama Club will provide visitors with an opportunity to be photographed with Santa and the Grinch. Individual pictures with either character will cost $3 each. A picture with both characters will cost $5.

Students are encouraged to dress in festive attire for the event.

Students can volunteer as a tree decorator from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Wednesday.

Her goal is to finish Wednesday, but she may need volunteers to help Monday.

Call Hernandez at 210-486-0979.