Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) students didn’t let the cancellation of the annual Christmas dinner spoil the Yuletide spirit.
With the BMCC holiday dinner canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, students turned their attention to the community at large and began collecting gifts for children in need.
The college’s student government got the ball rolling by providing gifts for 38 children within the CASA system, which advocates for abused and neglected children in courtrooms and communities. Those gifts were later matched to provide Christmas presents for 76 children who may not have ever received Christmas gifts.
“Even though we couldn’t do our traditional event, it was a great experience to reach out and find new ways to give back to the community,” said Lauryn Journot, BMCC’s All-Student Government (ASG) outreach coordinator.
The student government, along with BMCC’s Athletic Department, also donated gifts for 30 Angel Tree children. ASG members then coordinated and donated more than 150 toys and 250 canned goods to the Hermiston Police Department’s Christmas Express.
“We really have no idea how big of an impact we’re making, but it’s rewarding to know we’re making one” said Journot.
BMCC athletes and the ASG kept going with more community contributions for the holiday season. They arranged for donations of food, toys, treats and cleaning supplies to PAWS of Pendleton. Next, they continued their spirit of giving by providing over 250 food items to the Pendleton Food Pantry.
“I’m proud to be a part of a department that saw a need and jumped in to help,” said Ceanna Larson, head volleyball coach and student activity program specialist.
Izzy Soto, ASG senator, said the experience was uplifting.
“Walking through the store with our carts full, and hearing strangers say things like, ‘This is so amazing for you to do’ and ‘Bless your hearts’ was memorable,” she said. “I hope we inspired others to help out as well.”
