Local residents are invited to join the Northwest Missouri State University community Thursday, November 29, for the 10th annual Holiday Tree Lighting on the lawn of the Thomas Gaunt House.

The event, hosted by the Jasinski family, will begin at 5:15 pm. Weather permitting, Santa Bobby Bearcat also will welcome guests for photos after the ceremony. Refreshments will be served.

The program will include remarks by Northwest Provost Dr. Jamie Hooyman, Maryville Mayor Rachael Martin and Dr. Travis Dimmitt on behalf of the Campus Ministerial Alliance. Songs will be performed by the Horace Mann Bearcat Choir and the Maryville High School Illumination show choir.

Additionally, the Jasinski family annually selects a philanthropy in conjunction with the Tree Lighting. This year, the Jasinski family will focus giving efforts on the university’s Pay It Forward Fund and Bearcat Food Pantry.

Requested items for the food pantry include:

• protein items, such as peanut butter, canned chicken or canned tuna

• fruit items such as fruit cups, canned fruit, jelly or jam

• grain items, including cereal, oatmeal, pasta, cereal bars, granola bars, pancake mix (complete preferred) and syrup

• complete meals and mixes, including spaghetti sauce, chicken and tuna helpers

• non-perishable crackers, fruit snacks, nuts, chips, cookies

• can openers

• personal hygiene items, including toilet paper, facial tissue and toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, tampons and razors

Donors may bring items to Northwest’s Office of University Marketing and Communication, located on the second floor of the Administration Building, November 26 through 29 or bring donations to the tree lighting.

Community members may find needed items and provide donations to the food pantry throughout the year by visiting nwmissouri.edu/studentaffairs/foodpantry/.