WILLISTON, N.D. - Williston State College's (WSC) honor society, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), has put up its annual Giving Tree to help the Family Crisis Shelter in Williston and Bethel Lutheran Nursing Home for Christmas.

After the success of last year's giving tree, PTK decided to expand its gift giving to include the elderly, who often get overlooked during the holiday season.  

"Our goal is to give back to the community of Williston as a whole," explained Maren Furuseth, Assistant Professor of Accounting and PTK Advisor. "Adding Bethel accomplished that."  

Located outside of WSC's bookstore, the 2016 PTK Giving Tree holds 40 paper ornaments that describe what each recipient would love for Christmas.  

The red ornaments represent the 15 children from the Family Crisis Shelter who are in need of gifts while the green ornaments are for 25 residents of Bethel Lutheran Home.

"We have a quick turnaround this year, since it was a busy season for both businesses," said Furuseth. "We would like all presents back before the students leave for break."

If interested in participating, please take one of the ornaments and purchase, wrap (use the ornament as a name tag), and return a desired gift before December 14 at noon to ensure it is delivered on time. 

If you are interested in donating to the Family Crisis Shelter this holiday season, please contact them at 701.572.0757 or visit www.familycrisisshelternd.org.  For additional information on Bethel Lutheran Home, please contact them at 701.572.6766.  

For more information about WSC's PTK, please contact Maren Furuseth at 701.774.4298.  

For more information on WSC, please visit www.willistonstate.edu, call 1.888.863.9455, or stop by 1410 University Avenue, Williston, ND.