The popular Staff Advisory Council (SAC) basket raffle returns.

Each campus department or office can make a difference in the lives of local school children by donating a theme basket to be raffled during the Benefits Fair, November 19 and 20. The annual basket raffle is a project of the SAC community service committee.

Last year, the committee raised over $1,600 for Providence House. Proceeds from this year's raffle will benefit neighborhood children attending Joseph Landis School of Tomorrow, 10118 Hamden, and Mary Bethune Elementary School, 11815 Moulton. Monies raised for Landis will defray the costs of cultural field trips and supplies for student activities. At Bethune, a school with an Afrocentric-based curriculum, funds will be used to purchase new books and supplies for student activities.

"We are helping our neighbors this year," said Judith Olson-Fallon, the committee's co-chair.

Inspired by President Edward M. Hundert's visions for the University, the SAC community service committee has focused on ways to support advancing knowledge and enhancing the synergy between the University and local organizations nearby, Olson-Fallon said. CWRU has volunteers actively involved at both schools.

Last year's baskets had a variety of themes from new baby to international foods.

If an office plans to participate, contact SAC community service co-chair Kimberly Watts by November 1 at 368-4520 or by e-mail at ksw6. Donated baskets need to be delivered to Suzanne Leach in the student activities office in Thwing (across the hall from Charlie's Place) on the morning of November 18. Each basket should be covered in a clear wrapping for easy viewing and be accompanied with a detailed list of the basket's contents.