1202 W. Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
602–285–7500

Campus Community Embraces the
Spirit of Holiday Giving

by: Christy Skeen

As the holiday spirit filters throughout the campus, the spirit of giving seems to be a top priority for the members of the Phoenix College community. Whether it be the Business Department or M.E.Ch.A., the goal of collecting as many food and/or clothing items as possible was universal among many departments, organizational groups and clubs on campus.

Here is a small glimpse of the all hard work and compassion displayed by our giving community.

Admissions & Records

This year the Office of Admissions & Records teamed up with the Phoenix Veterans Office and the Marine Corps Reserve to collect toys for the Toys for Tots campaign. A special thanks goes out to student worker, Billy Vides for initiating the relationship among the three entities. They will collect items until December 23.

Applied Business Department

Socks galore! If you walk past B 228, you may do a double take – and yes, you did see a tub full of socks next to the computers! Every year around the holiday season the Applied Business Department takes on a unique project. This year they collected approximately 762 socks (381 pairs) for the Shoebox Ministries. Thanks to their efforts the Phoenix College Applied Business Department will help Shoebox Ministries reach their goal of collecting 40,000 pairs of socks.

English Department and The Creative Writing Program

For the third consecutive year, the English Department has given holiday gifts to a recently arrived political refugee family. This year, the family of 10 (eight children) is from Guinea. The family, which was recommended by faculty member and President of Love Power, Dr. Joseph Kimbuende, will receive a number of holiday gifts donated by more than 25 full and part-time English faculty.

Professional Staff Association and Student Forum

The Professional Staff Association and Student Forum teamed up to make the holidays a little brighter for two adopted families of children attending Ecanto Middle School. The two organizations hope to reach their goal to provide food, clothing and toys for all seven children. They will collect items until December 18. Drop off points include the Advisement Center, Career Center and Student Life and Leadership.

Business Department

For approximately eight years, the Business Department has been collecting canned food for various charitable organizations. Thanks to the students, faculty and staff of the Business Department, they were able to collect 40 boxes of canned food, which is approximately 2000 pounds.

Christian Fellowship

Christian Fellowship adopted a family for this holiday season through Homeward Bound. They used club funds to purchase items for their family. The club donated a television set, bedside table, Star Wars Legos and boy’s boxers. A special thanks goes out to club member, Edith Morgan for initiating the adoption.

Women’s Volleyball Team

Thanks to the Women’s Volleyball team, the Thomas J. Pappas School received a number of clothing items, toys, books and toiletry items. A couple of players donated their time to go out gift shopping for the students.

Student Life & Leadership and Family Care Center

Thanks to the Student Life and Leadership Office, nearly 100 books were donated by members of the campus community for the 3rd Annual Book Fest. The event collected enough books for each child of the Family Care Center to take one home to enjoy.

M.E.Ch.A.

Members of M.E.Ch.A. shared their holiday cheer with two families they adopted through Homeward Bound. With the help from The Salvation Army and Michael Nowakowski of Radio Campesina, these two families received gifts, holiday decorations and a holiday dinner.

The International Club and International Student Center

Director of the International Student Center, Annette Duran represented both The International Club and the International Student Center this year to ensure that one family of Homeward Bound received a Happy Holiday. By donating $75 herself and obtaining $65 in donations from Walmart and Albertson’s, Annette was able to purchase enough items for her adopted family.

She also represented The International Club by donating her time with a district-wide International Education volunteer effort with Habitat for Humanity.

Learning Center/Special Services

The Learning Center and Special Services continue to help a co-worker in need. After a member of the Phoenix College family discovered that her son was ill with Leukemia she has had a difficult time making ends meet financially. Her fellow co-workers collaborated to provide gifts and food items to her and her family for the holiday season. The office is currently accepting donations.