UA Students Bring Holiday Cheer to Campus with Luminaries on the Quad

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama Circle K student organization will host their annual Luminaries on the Quad event Sunday, Dec. 9, at dusk.

The festive event is open to the public. It is a community service leadership project in which Circle K members arrange thousands of luminary candles on the Quad between Denny Chimes and Gorgas Library and along University Boulevard.  This year, the event will also feature caroling by the UA Circle K Club to accompany the traditional Denny Chimes’ carols.

Student organizations and local businesses are asked to support the special event with donations of time and money. Proceeds will benefit the One Spark Campaign for Jean Dean Reading is Fundamental, a program that works with the Kiwanis Foundation to provide books in the homes of at-risk children. 

“Each Christmas season for more than 40 years, UA Circle K has celebrated the season by decorating the Quad with light. This year, we’re excited to use this deep-rooted tradition to shine light on the efforts of Jean Dean Reading is Fundamental to end childhood illiteracy in Alabama,” said Kyle Pierce, Circle K Alabama District Club building chairman.

Donations may also be made online at circlek.ua.edu/projects/onespark.

“It’s a great tradition to spread holiday cheer and awareness of childhood literacy in Alabama. Only one out of every 30 low-income households in Alabama has a book, but we hope to change that by encouraging businesses and individuals to donate to Jean Dean Reading is Fundamental to make a difference in our own communities,” said Forrest Ford, UA Circle K president.

Circle K is a national service organization for college students sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. The UA chapter meets Tuesdays at 8:15 p.m. in 309 Ferguson Center.

For more information, contact Ford at circlek@bama.ua.edu.