search articles:     from the issue of December 14, 2006         Gifts of Love offers opportunity  BY TROY FEDDERSON, UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS They came seeking a bit of holiday hope.     KNEE DEEP IN TOYS - Shelley Zaborowski (left), associate executive director for programs at the Alumni Association, and her friend Jenni Christiansen price toys for the "Gifts of Love" program on Dec. 6. This was the first year Zaborowski volunteered for the City Impact program. Photo by Troy Fedderson/University Communications. Parents weary of maintaining a family from paycheck to paycheck, worried about what will be under the tree Christmas morning. Bright-eyed children (a mix of naughty and nice) certain Santa is watching every move. Volunteers and donors turning their backs to the holiday rush and eagerly helping the less fortunate. Each from a different walk of life, coming together for Gifts of Love, a community Christmas store organized by City Impact. "We've volunteered for Gifts of Love for six straight years," said Keith Miles, vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for the University of Nebraska Foundation. "It's a program that offers Christmas gifts at discounted prices to members of the community who cannot afford to pay full price. It's not charity. These people pay for the gifts, keep their dignity and provide for their families. "They walk out with joy on their face. And, part of the joy is knowing what they'll see on their kids' faces come Christmas." City Impact was formed in 1993 when Brad Bryan and three others began serving youth in Lincoln's low-income Malone neighborhood. City Impact grew to a full-time community mission project for Bryan and his wife Carma in 1996. They rehabilitated an abandoned house in the neighborhood and moved from the suburbs. The program offers a number of programs to Malone youth, including summer camps, bible clubs, after-school tutoring and Gifts of Love. Through donations, the Christmas store offers items ranging from toys and clothes to electronics and baby items for 30 percent of regular price. The program first served 17 mothers and 48 children in 1997. This year, Bryan said it provided gifts for up to 1,200 mothers and 1,325 children. The store opened to qualifying parents Dec. 8-10. Youth enrolled in the City Impact programs were allowed to shop for their families (using vouchers earned during the year) on Dec. 12.   FAMILY PROJECT - April Bower (left) looks on as Keith Miles, his daughter Tiffany and wife Becky add up her "Gifts of Love" purchases on Dec. 9. Keith Miles is vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for the University of Nebraska Foundation. Photo by Troy Fedderson/University Communications.   The Miles family volunteered for a two-and-a-half-hour shift Dec. 9. Keith Miles served as a cashier. Becky Miles helped parents select gifts. And Tiffany Miles helped her dad track purchases. "This is something that we always try to make a priority," said Keith Miles. "No matter how busy we are, we make time for Gifts of Love. It's just a great experience." Prior to the store's first sale this season, Shelley Zaborowski, associate executive director for programs at the Alumni Association, helped unload, sort and price donations. "This was my first time volunteering," she said. "I wish I had time to do another shift. I would love to be a part of the actual sale. But this was fun. It's definitely something I want to do next year." Like many others, Zaborowski and the Miles family were inspired to volunteer through contact with Bryan - who speaks at many church and civic functions. "Brad Bryan was in a Leadership Lincoln class of mine and I remember him talking about this program," Zaborowski said. "It sounded really neat, so I thought I would give it a try." A number of UNL faculty, staff and students also volunteered at Gifts of Love this year. Community need has pushed Bryan to start considering outside assistance for Gifts of Love. He said City Impact, for which he serves as executive director, may search for a coordinator for the program. Bryan said UNL would be an ideal place to seek out assistance. "Possibly someone with a background in marketing, public relations or even business management," said Bryan. "I think this would be a great opportunity for an undergraduate or even a graduate student." For more information on City Impact or Gifts of Love, go online to www.cityimpact.org. GO TO: ISSUE OF DECEMBER 14 NEWS HEADLINES FOR DECEMBER 14 Project uncovers DNA-like ice structures Gifts of Love offers opportunity Sen. Hagel to address graduates UNL prof testifies against Hussein Carr, Stump knighted by French government Group studies Great Plains fire history begins Housing puts lottery system into play Quality indicators track UNL progress Student depth reporting team headed to Berlin 732659S36531X