Old Dominion University's student chapter of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ) provided holiday joy for numerous children at the Lambert's Point Community Center through a recent community outreach program.

At the group's annual holiday meet-and-greet at the community center, 10 youth enrolled in the life skills and character education program each received two wrapped gifts, a coat or board game, an Old Dominion T-shirt and a gift bag with books and games to stimulate critical thinking.

The Old Dominion student organization In Support of Children and the Office of International Programs partnered in sponsoring the event. This year's gift-donation drive was spearheaded by Lacendra Knightnor, a May, 2015, graduate in sociology and criminal justice.

The children also visited Old Dominion, most receiving exposure to a university for the first time, as well as encouragement to continue their education and potential college plans.

"It was pleasing to hear a couple of the kids state they want to attend ODU. Good news for us," said Melvina Sumter, associate professor of sociology and criminal justice and faculty advisor of NABCJ. "The kids were grateful and elated for the outreach, as was the Lambert's Point staff."

More information about NABCJ and photographs from the holiday gift event can be found at this Facebook page.