The holiday spirit has begun at CSU Stanislaus, thanks to the thoughtful efforts from Associated Students, Inc (ASI). This year’s ASI is hosting the Warriors Giving Back-Giving Tree located in the The University Student Center which serves as an example of how the campus community is coming together to make a difference and have a positive impact on the lives of local elementary school students.
Decorating the Student Center for the holidays is the Giving Tree adorned with gift tags, each representing a wish from an elementary school student.
Faculty, staff, and students who pass by the tree are encouraged to take a moment and pick up a tag, and register at the Student Center Service Desk. They then go on their mission and return the unwrapped gifts to the service desk.
The goal of the event is to ensure the gifts make their way to the children in time for the holidays.
Megan Parravano, the Special Projects Manager of the Warriors Giving Back program, shared the inspiration and process behind the event.
“The Giving Tree is part of the Warriors Giving Back program that was started in 2014. It’s a way to encourage fellow students and Warriors to participate in service and give back to our community,” said Parravano.
She reflected on the impact of the event as one of the most successful Warriors Giving Back activities with 150 tags being registered on the first day!
“I think it’s because it’s the time of year when people are looking for service projects that can support others, and the Giving Tree gives them the opportunity to connect with young learners in our community,” Parravano says. “For the kids, I know this impacts them greatly—to know that there are others outside of their home thinking of them and willing to support them with new gifts, it’s a great feeling.”
Jules Jayoma (Computer Science, Junior) shared his thoughts about the Warriors Giving Tree.
“At first, I didn’t realize it was a giving tree until someone pointed it out to me, I thought it was just a Christmas tree the campus put up for the holidays… It was also easy to miss at first when I wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings. A friend pointed it out to me while we were walking to a meeting and told me I can pick up a tag and buy a gift to be given to children,” Jayoma said.
He believes the Warrior Giving Tree significantly influences the campus community for the better and ignites the holiday spirit.
“I think the giving tree definitely helps set up the Christmas spirit on campus. Not just because it’s a Christmas tree, but also helps set in the idea of giving for the holidays. It’s also a really great and easy way to engage with the community in a positive manner,” he said.
Vanessa Romero (Child Development, Junior) expressed her excitement after seeing the tree in the student center and going to choose her gift tag off the tree.
“What inspired me to participate this year is being able to give back to others… I wanted to be able to bring joy to the child that I chose,” said Romero.
As the December 11 deadline approaches, the Student Center is busy making sure that gifts make their way back to the service desk.
With each participant, the Giving Tree tags decrease, ensuring that every kid receives the gift they are wishing for.
During a time of year often characterized by materialism and busy schedules, the Warriors Giving Back-Giving Tree serves as a great reminder of the importance of giving back.
Through their efforts, ASI has given the campus community an opportunity to reflect, give, and truly embody the spirit of the season.
