The season to give is just around the corner, bringing about the desire in peoples’ hearts to do something for others. 

Giving is a natural part of this joyous time of year, and the Sociology Club at California State University, Stanislaus provides an opportunity for students to give back through the Christmas in a Shoebox project. 

A student can select a child between the ages of 0-12 years old. Students then give an appropriate gift that will fit in a shoebox for the chosen age and gender. 

The Sociology Club prefers that donations do not include Barbie dolls or violent toys, such as GI Joe action figures.

“The gifts go to children who might not get a Christmas gift for Christmas,” said Tanveer Sandhu, President of the Sociology Club (junior, Biology). 

“We usually go to places like Modesto Women’s Haven Center, Turlock Children’s Crisis Center and Habitat for Humanity homes. Our new area of help this year is going to be the Homeless Assistance Missionary (HAM), here in Turlock.”

Christmas in a Shoebox has successfully brought Christmas to children for six straight years. 

Last year, 435 gifts were collected and distributed, providing each child with a piece of Christmas joy.

The Sociology Club would like to see even more gifts this year, because every child is important. Nothing is better than to give to a child who may not be getting Christmas this year.

“I love giving to the children of the community and seeing their faces when we deliver the presents,” Ricky Prasads (junior, Biology) said.

What motivates the Sociology Club is their active engagement within the community and bringing about positive social change in any way that they can. 

The Sociology Club wants to inspire as many people as possible to make a change in the community and make it a better place.  

“Our Sociology Club Motto: Our Hands, Our Community. Our World, Our Responsibility,” Sandhu said.

The Sociology Club is proving an easy way to donate to a child who desperately deserves to have a Christmas. 
For more information or to sign up for a gift, the Christmas in a Shoebox is located on the first floor in Bizzini Hall everyday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.