Visalia’s Giving Spirit of Christmas

The Christmas spirit was in full play on the Visalia campus in two big ways.

The Christmas Star Project, sponsored by Student Services, helped children of SJVC students in financial need to have a little more joyful Christmas. Stars with a child’s name, interests, hobbies and clothing size were hung high in hopes a staff or faculty member would ‘adopt’ them and provide a toy and clothing item to brighten their holiday.

A total of 109-children from 46-families were adopted and received gifts from generous SJVC employees. “We wanted to make sure that the children from our SJVC family could have a memorable Christmas,” says Elisia Sanchez, Student Resource Coordinator.

Holiday activities culminated with the 2013 Children’s Christmas Party, hosted by Student Services on Dec. 20th.

Over 155 children of SJVC’s family of employees and students enjoyed meeting Santa, face-painting, crafts, story time, raffle prizes and – best of all – a photo op with Santa, himself. Each child won a raffle toy and took home a goodie bag filled with treats. Toys were provided by campus clubs that held fundraisers such as bake sales and dress-down days, along with donations from local stores.

“Our holiday events are very much appreciated by our students and their children, who also enjoy visiting their parents’ school,” says Elisia.

In addition, six live Christmas trees were decorated and raffled off, through the efforts of SJVC’s ENACTUS Club.

“We wanted to give our students and their families a place where they, too, can share in the tradition of Christmas,” says Elisia.