N.C. A&T to Host Ninth Winter Wishes in Aggieland Celebration

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Dec. 3, 2025) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will host its ninth Winter Wishes in Aggieland celebration Friday, Dec. 5.

The cherished holiday tradition brings the N.C. A&T community together to spread love and holiday cheer through this annual gift drive for Guilford County children in foster care.

In partnership with the Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services, faculty and staff commit to fulfilling the holiday wishes of 200 children in foster care – more than a third of all children in foster care served by the Guilford County Social Services.

Each child lists as many as three gifts – ranging from toys, games and electronics to sporting goods and bicycles, musical instruments to art supplies, clothing and shoes to books and gift cards – on their holiday wish list, which A&T employees pledge to provide.

The gifts are collected and organized at the celebration for distribution to the children by social services staff before Christmas.

Gift drop-offs take place between 5 and 7 p.m. Participants are encouraged to remain for the program and presentation of gifts. Attendees will hear greetings from Chancellor James R. Martin II, Guilford County Children Services and Programs Director Sheila Stokes and Guilford County Board of Commissioners Chairman Melvin “Skip” Alston.

Winter Wishes exemplifies A&T’s commitment to exceptional public service and community engagement. The university sees its leadership role in East Greensboro and Piedmont Triad area as one that impacts individuals as well as entities and systems. Supporting the Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services and the many foster children it serves is a privilege the university embraces.

WHAT: Ninth Winter Wishes in Aggieland celebration

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m.

WHERE: Alumni-Foundation Event Center, 200 N. Benbow Road, Greensboro

CONTACT: Media relations director Jackie Torok, 336-285-2668 (office), 336-681-0028 (cell) or jtorok@ncat.edu