The Holiday Gift Bag Committee at Fresno City College wishes to spread a little holiday cheer among the students every year by providing gift card awards of $50 to qualifying nominated students. With 81 percent of FCC students falling into a category of low-income, disabled, or being a first generation college student, the committee encourages faculty and staff to both nominate, and donate.

“Such a small thing can make a huge difference,” said co-chair Nancy Almand. She and her co-chair, Mai Yang remember a few years back when actual food was handed out to students. With the years the committee consisting of about 10 or 12 different staff and faculty members decided the award would be better given out as a gift card due to the different students’ diets, as well as the convenience of not having to carry a turkey all around campus the entire day. The committee has also stuck to regular criteria to qualify students for the award. As part of that criteria, students must be enrolled in at least two classes, currently experiencing a hardship, is a single head-of-household with a child or children, and will also feel encouraged to continue his or her studies upon receiving the award.

Receiving the award helps students in simple ways that go much further than just being a gift card for groceries. “Every little bit counted,” said past recipient Sonia Lupian who now works as an EOPS counselor at FCC. As an FCC student, she was a single parent on public assistance who fully understood that during the holidays, money always falls a little short. “Every Christmas I would pray that someone would nominate me…it made me feel special and that someone actually cared about my situation,” Lupian said. In her current position as an EOPS counselor, she has the opportunity to give back the same, by donating, nominating students and going out of her way to help students who find themselves in similar or worse situations.

Last year the Holiday Gift Bag committee awarded 200 FCC students with $50 gift cards. This year they hope to award 300 students with the same. Students can approach any staff or faculty member to nominate them for the award  until December 1. Awards are given out by December 9 and 10. Everyone is encouraged to get involved to help and support spread the holiday cheer throughout the FCC community. As co chair Mai Yang said, “The best part of this award, is seeing the people’s faces when they receive the card. They’re very appreciative.”