Every year at Oxnard College, faculty staff and administration put up a nine-foot tall, artificial Christmas tree right after Thanksgiving. In most work areas or offices, a Christmas tree has no significance. This tree for OC, however, is special to staff and students; it is a “Giving Tree.”

Since 2004, the Giving Tree is set-up yearly to help student-parents at Oxnard College provides gifts for their children. The Oxnard College family started this tradition to present gifts to children who might not otherwise receive a gift during the holidays.

“We know it’s hard on many students studying with children to be able to provide gifts,” said Public Information Officer Cathy Garnica, one of the organizers of Giving Tree.

The tree is decorated with snowman ornaments displaying the names and desired gifts of a child.

Initially, Karla Banks, the college president’s executive assistant, puts out the word to all staff, faculty and administration that the tree will be set up.

Anyone interested in buying a gift simply must pick a snowman from the tree.

The children’s names are submitted Financial Aid, EOPS and Child Development Center.

Seventy to 80 OC staff members are expected to sign up or be involved, including Oxnard College President Richard Duran.

“I pick a child, as do many others, and encourage staff and faculty to do so,” said Duran.

Garnica thinks of the Giving Tree as building a sense of community.

“We want to take care of our own here,” she said.

Once the gift is purchased and ready to be received, Financial Aid, EOPS or Child Development notify students to stop by the registered office to pick-up their child’s present.

“I’ve personally contributed to the Giving Tree since 2004. Last year I gave an 8-year-old girl a ‘Carmen Sandiego’ doll; another year I gave a little girl some ‘Hello Kitty’ gift items,” Garnica said.

Gifts are given a week prior to Christmas or during finals week. Anyone wishing to sign up to contribute a gift can contact Karla Banks at [email protected]