Chaffey College Distributes 800 Holiday Gifts to Children

From shiny toy trucks and action figures, to board games and baby dolls, hundreds of in-need children received wrapped presents during Chaffey College’s annual gift distribution events Dec. 18-20.

Three hundred Chaffey students from CalWORKS, the Chaffey Panther Care program and Chaffey Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) registered for the event so their children wouldn’t go without a holiday gift.

“It means a lot because Christmas can be hard financially,” said Alicia Eastman, a Rialto resident who is majoring in professional administrative management. Eastman has participated in the event three years in a row.

Chaffey College staff wrapped and handed out close to 800 gifts at the Fontana, Chino and Rancho Cucamonga campuses. Staff also handed out gingerbread house and craft kits to every student.

“It shows that Chaffey College cares about the community, not only its students, but also their children,” said Panther Care Manager Prentice Harris. “It’s also important because it keeps the imagination of Christmas and the hope alive during difficult times.”

Donations came from the Chaffey athletics department, which collected gifts during a December men’s and women’s basketball game. Reach Out of Upland and Volunteers of the Inland Empire also contributed gifts for the toy drive.

Mursal Jeffrey of Rancho Cucamonga brought her four children, ages 4 through 11, to the distribution. The nursing major has been attending Chaffey College for five years.

“My kids are so excited for the gifts!” she said.

Children receiving presents weren’t the only ones smiling. Students and staff handing out presents also felt the joy of giving.

“Just to be able to give that hope, that they’ll at least have something under the tree is a very rewarding experience,” Harris said.