The United Methodist Student Center is handing out care packages full of candy, pencils and stress relieving games to SIUC students during finals week to show them that the UMSC cares, Rev. Kevin W. Hopkins, campus pastor says.

Hopkins said the UMSC has been active on campus for over 50 years and has given over 200 care packages a semester to SIUC students during finals week for 10 years.

Hopkins said the UMSC gives the care packages to SIUC students and their roommates who have volunteered help with the UMSC and the other Methodist Churches in Carbondale during the fall and spring semesters.

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We even write the parents of the students, and they send back letters for encouragement, he said. And we put those in the packages.

Hopkins said this started because students wanted to show other fellow students that they care about them during this stressful finals time.

Hopkins said they handed out the care packages last night at a dinner in the UMSC. He said the UMSC students helped deliver the care packages to students who could not make it to the dinner.

Stacey Gabriel, a senior in pre-med. biological sciences, said she helps make the care packages because it is a way for her to reach out and show students she cares during finals week.

This gives me a Christmas feeling early, she said. This is a group effort, and it turns into a lot of fun stuffing the candy, games and Tylenol in the packages.

Trishia Wesley, a junior in assistant physical therapy, said she stuffs the care packages to show her fellow students that she cares.

I have been doing this for three years, she said. It is important that students know someone cares about them at this stressful time.

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The care packages are provided by the First United Methodist Church, Grace United Methodist Church and the UMSC.

Hopkins said the miniature basketballs that go in the care packages were donated by the SIUC athletic department.

Hopkins said SIUC students who do not belong to the UMSC can stop by at 816 S. Illinois Avenue if they would like a care package.