Operation ELF at CWU

November 21, 2007

ELLENSBURG, Wash.--As finals week approaches, Central Washington University students are feeling a bit overwhelmed cramming for tests and figuring out what they're going to do over winter break. But for Central's non-traditional students, the pressure of the upcoming holiday season just adds to their already stressful lives. The CWU Center for Student Empowerment hopes to alleviate some of their tension with its sixth annual Operation ELF, a holiday event that brings non-traditional students and their families together to celebrate the season and unwind after finals.

Expect to see some elves running around Central's Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC) Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., as Operation ELF kicks off its Winter Wonderland celebration with a traditional turkey dinner. Once their bellies are full, students and their families will get an opportunity to dance to live music, play games and take part in other fun activities. To cap off the fun-filled evening, each family will take a ride to the "North Pole" for a visit with Santa, who will hand out a personalized gift and a photo to each child.

Operation ELF is open to all non-traditional CWU students and their families. Registration is required for all who will be attending. Ticket information and registration forms are available at the Operation ELF Web site at www.cwu.edu/~ecenter/opelfform.html. Registration forms can also be picked up and dropped off at the Center for Student Empowerment office in the SURC, room 250. Deadline for registration is Friday, Nov. 30.

The Center for Student Empowerment is also looking for students and community members to help out with various jobs at the event, including gift-wrapping, decorating and working at the activity tables. Donations of money and gifts are also greatly appreciated. For more information on how you can help, contact the Center for Student Empowerment at 509-963-2127, or stop by their office in the SURC, room 250.

Contact: Lisa Fields, Operation ELF coordinator, 509-963-2127, ecenter@cwu.edu
Teri Olin, CWU Public Relations & Marketing, 509-963-1416, olint@cwu.edu

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of place bound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.