Giving Thanksgiving 2024: SMC’s Annual Tradition to Support Students During the Holidays

Workers at the Giving Thanksgiving event organized by Bodega at Santa Monica College, in Santa Monica, Calif. Photo provided to the Corsair by Jamie Villalobos (Basic needs Project Assistant) and taken on Monday, Nov 25th, 2024.

Volunteers at the Giving Thanksgiving event organized by the Bodega at Santa Monica College, in Santa Monica, Calif. Photo provided to the Corsair by Jamie Villalobos (Basic needs Project Assistant) and taken on Monday, Nov 25th, 2024.

Volunteers at the Giving Thanksgiving event organized by the Bodega at Santa Monica College, in Santa Monica, Calif. Photo provided to the Corsair by Jamie Villalobos (Basic needs Project Assistant) and taken on Monday, Nov 25th, 2024.

Last week, the Santa Monica College (SMC) Foundation hosted its seventh annual GIVING THANKS(giving) event, an initiative to support the students during the holiday season. Over the course of those three days, from Nov. 25-27, the event provided groceries and holiday meal essentials to over 2,200 students, according to Basic Needs Assistant Jaime Villalobos. 

GIVING THANKS(giving) is a vital part of the SMC Basic Needs Program, which addresses the challenges of thousands of students. This program addresses food insecurity, transportation needs, and access to mental health services and clothing.

This year, the event surpassed its fundraising goal, collecting $257,229 from 245 donors. These donations made possible the distribution of holiday groceries. Students could pick up fresh produce, pies, bread, butter, non-alcoholic sparkling cider, vegetables, fruits, and even more. Gift cards were also given to the students to purchase additional groceries. 

To accommodate students’ schedules, the event, held at the SMC Bodega, operated during extended holiday hours from Monday to Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving Day. From early morning to the evening, the Bodega was warmed up with a welcoming holiday feeling and gratitude as students were invited to select items for their Thanksgiving meals, all provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. To pick up the groceries, students needed to present a valid student ID. 

This year, the event was made possible thanks to numerous sponsors and community partners. The sponsors include SMC Associated Students, SMC Associates, SMC Emeritus, Albertsons Companies Foundation, Hello Monday HR, Dance for a Difference, Freya & Mark Ivener, KCRW, Layla Bagels & Coffee, Rachel & Jeff Lipp, Melissa’s Produce, Payden & Rygel, Recharge, Jacmar Foodservice, Dr. Ava T. Shamban, Smart & Final Charitable Foundation, and Westside Food Bank. 

GIVING THANKS(giving) is a symbol of gratitude and unity for the students, and the staff and the volunteers were filled with the true spirit of Thanksgiving. 

As this seventh edition of GIVING THANKS(giving) came to an end, SMC showed its care for the students and effort to create a supportive community. And with the help of donors and volunteers, SMC’s GIVING THANKS(giving) continues to make an impact on students' lives through this holiday season.