Jingle Jubilee delivers a raucous, joyful celebration

It’s very possible dozens of children will be so excited about Christmas this Saturday that they’ll be bouncing off the walls of the International Ballroom at Walb Student Union. Now, those walls will be the bouncy house set up at one end of the hall, but that pure display of joy is a regular response during the Jingle Jubilee, which is the culmination of Purdue University Fort Wayne’s annual Adopt-A-Don program.

Faculty, staff, and campus organizations make donations to support students with families who need help providing Christmas presents. The limit is $250, but looking at the number of wrapped gifts each family typically receives, let’s just say “Santa” is very generous. Last year, more than $8,000 was raised to support 32 families, and everyone who donated gifts received thank you notes.

Curt Hosier, senior lecturer in sociology, came up with the Adopt-A-Don idea five years ago. Since then, the event has gotten a little more joyous and jolly.

“I never dreamed it could ever get this big,” Hosier said during the 2024 jubilee, running around to make sure everyone was having a good time. Sometimes, he seemed to be moving as fast as the children.

When Hosier was growing up, there were many Christmases when he and his four brothers didn’t receive presents. There were also days on end when they didn’t have food. Now that he can help, he was determined to help those who might be in similar situations.

Setting up the jubilee is often an exciting sprint to the finish. Once the big day arrives, the children are free to run, laugh, and exercise their vocal cords while the adults catch their breath and enjoy a great meal.

The parents are particularly thankful for this event because it means that Christmas is not as stressful. The program takes pressure off those who are going to school full time while almost always working.

As an example, a student and her husband have three children, including one who has health issues that require regular medical care and the expenses that follow. A month before last year’s jubilee, she was laid off. Needless to say, the family has already faced and overcome a few challenges during her time in college, but she will graduate at the end of this semester.

Most student parents have similar stories of driving to provide for their families on a long-term basis while sacrificing now to earn their degree and a new future. A little help at the holidays is quite a blessing.

The names on the tables of those who sponsor the event include department heads, coaches, professors, and various campus organizations. It’s amazing how quickly the support has increased, but the event could still grow in size because every year more students apply than can be served.

The Adopt-A-Don program’s blessing and the children’s joy are why it has quickly become one of the university’s signature events. It shows PFW’s supportive nature, and proves what can be accomplished because of Hosier’s idea and example.