The Joy of Giving Program
The University Farm pavilion can be downright freezing on any given blustery winter day. But every December for more than 30 years, the pavilion gets filled with light, smiles, and warmth. The campus community, with assistance from Butte County Children's Services Division and other community entities comes together each year to ensure that dozens of local children receive gifts to brighten and enhance their holiday season experience.
The tradition continues in 2023 as Staff Council's Service Projects Committee organized the Joy of Giving (formerly UNCP) program for the 33rd time! The program organizes departments, offices, other campus groups, and individuals to purchase gifts for children from families that are nominated by area social workers through Butte County Children's Services. Families remain anonymous, but social workers collect information about what the family might need along with children's ages, sizes, favorite colors, and interests so that the gifts can be personalized.
Gifts are gathered in the Farm Pavilion for distribution, where a reception is also held for the campus to celebrate the spirit of generosity.
Staff Council raises funds through the year to purchase grocery gift cards to be distributed to each of the families along with their gifts. The total money raised for gift cards over the last 25 years reaches upwards of $100,000! With over 1,900 families in Butte County adopted by program participants over that quarter century, over 4,800 children have benefited from the spirit of giving.
Please enjoy these photos from the 2023 Joy of Giving reception and surrounding days.