BC’s Basic Needs Center hosted its annual Holiday Harvest Giveaway to support students during the holidays. The giveaway took place on November 24 outside the campus pantry. The event started at 12:30 PM and students were able to sign in while waiting in line.
By the time I arrived, the day was sunny, and students were already forming a line that seemed to grow by the minute. Among those assisting students in line, Rebcca Newton, Department Assistant III for the Basic Needs Department, guided them through the registration process and explained what the giveaway would entail.
When asked who the event was meant to support, Newton said it was open to all currently enrolled BC students. “The purpose is to provide a little bit of additional support around the holidays. Students who are enrolled and who complete the form can choose between either getting a turkey or a $25 gift card,” she explained.
Rebecca Newton helping a student through the registration process. (Isabel Farias)
Newton then explained that the giveaway involved 200 turkeys and 25 gift cards on campus and would be distributed on a first come, first served basis. “We also are giving out gift cards at all our extended campuses, so that includes Southwest, the district office, Arvin, Delano, and Wasco,” she said.
She later added that it wasn’t part of a larger initiative and was simply meant to provide support during the holidays. “We typically will do like a turkey giveaway every year, so this is just a part of that,” Newton said.
With food prices rising during the holidays, it can put added pressure on students and families, the giveaway aimed at providing some relief. “If they need additional support either through a turkey or through a gift card where they can use it to go and get some additional groceries. That’s just one more thing that they don’t have to worry about,” Newton emphasized.
As for any future holiday events the Basic Needs Center has not scheduled for Christmas but does offer events monthly such as farmer markets, another source of food for any interested students. Although there won’t be any similar events or a farmers’ market during December there will be a “grab and go snacks” at the outdoor theater on December 16th, according to Newton.