The Giving Tree has returned to Stanislaus State after a two-year hiatus. This initiative helps the campus community give back to children in need.

Sponsored by Associated Students, Inc. and the University Student Center, the tree was placed in the University Student Center in mid-November and decorated with 90 tags bearing the requests of children at three Turlock elementary schools. Within a few days, all but nine tags have been taken by students, faculty and staff members who will buy the requested items and return the unwrapped presents to the Student Center by Dec. 13.

“It gives students, faculty and staff a chance to give back to local kids,” said ASI Leadership Graduate Assistant Collin Gage. “Associated Students and the Student Center want to give back to the community, and this is a very practical way to do it.”

Helpful winter items such as jackets and socks were some of the most popular items requested by the elementary children. There were also a lot of requests for toys as well. Stanislaus State requests that gifts arrive on campus unwrapped so they can confirm it matches the request, and then will be wrapped before delivered to elementary schools.

Anyone can check out a tag from the tree or visit the Giving Tree’s Amazon Wish List to give virtually and have their purchases delivered directly to ASI and SC.

The Giving Tree is part of ASI and SC’s year-round community service program called Warriors Giving Back. The tree started in 2014, but did not make an appearance in 2019 and 2020 due to construction and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Warriors Giving Back program was created to encourage and facilitate charitable giving to help make an impact in the community.