Lisa Cleveland, a social work junior at Sacramento State, and her daughter, Ashley Cleveland, chose a bright orange star that had the Christmas wish of a 7-year-old boy.

It dangled in a sea of 400 ornaments on the newly erected Christmas tree twinkling in the center of the University Union.

“Star Wars Legos” was what the boy wrote on the star; the Clevelands plan on granting him his holiday wish.

The Christmas tree, also known as the Giving Tree, was set up in the Union today by three members of the five-member Giving Tree Committee ?” overseen by the Union ?” to commence the beginning of the giving season.

Blue and yellow bells and pink and blue stars ?” 50 more from last year ?” hanging from the tree’s dark green branches represent wishes from infants, children and adults who are suffering from HIV and AIDS, said Jojo Brousard, a committee member.

“It’s an opportunity for people to help others around Christmas time,” Brousard said.

Faculty, staff and students are all invited to pick an ornament off the tree and contribute a gift from Nov. 11 through Dec. 9 when a reception is set and volunteers are invited to a gift-wrapping party, Brousard said.

Brousard said the gifts on the Giving Tree “range from Taco Bell gift certificates to PlayStation games and bicycles.” The money spent on the gifts should amount anywhere from $10 to $30, depending on what gift is chosen.

Kendra Hatler, also a member of the committee, said she helped make the ornaments and has already chosen to sponsor a 16-year-old girl who wants warm flannel pajamas for Christmas. Hatler said she is planning to give more by plucking another ornament off the tree.

Hatler said this year she is more involved in the Giving Tree project and is trying to get her sorority sisters at Phi Sigma Sigma to help do the gift-wrapping.

“It’s the holiday season, the time for giving, and students should give gifts for the needy,” Hatler said.

Those in the giving spirit interested in contributing should visit the tree, take an ornament and then give the unwrapped gift to the Union office on the third floor, said Blanca Cervantes, a member of the tree committee.

“Make a child’s wish come true this holiday season,” Hatler said.

Jessica Weidling can be reached at [email protected]