The frost has arrived on the EvCC campus. These freezing mornings lead to speed walkers from building to building and students fidgeting in class as they warm their cold fingers. Many minds this time of year can be filled with bitter thoughts as the feeling finally comes back to their feet, but for others, their minds are filled with joy and warmth even as they watch their breath float through the cold air.

As the holidays come closer, people are reminded of the various things that they are grateful for. Along with this realization also comes the realization that there are people in this world, in their country, town and their neighborhood that might not have the same luxuries or even necessities that they have.  When hurriedly walking across campus, pause for a moment and look around, there are various events and opportunities to help bring joy and warmth to many people.

Over by student activities, stands a tree with tags that represent the children of some of the low-income students here at EvCC.  The SPLICE Holiday Giving Tree is presented by the SPLICE club which stands for Supporting Parents with Limited-Incomes for College Education. The tags on the trees give the age of the child and when someone takes a tag from the tree, they will return with a present for that child. “Usually the sign-up lists still have some availability but this year the lists were filled in record time,” explains Ronda Hansen, the SPLICE club advisor, “We’ve actually had to turn people away this year due to room capacity in the Jackson Center. We might have to look into a larger space next year.”

  As you walk down the hill with the wind nipping at your    nose,    past Liberty Hall, you  end up at the Fitness Center. Just a week ago on Nov. 25, EvCC Students, Faculty, Staff, Administrators, and Friends were invited to join together and participate in the 10th Annual EvCC Turkey Trot.

The focus of this year’s turkey trot was to gather at least 100 jars of peanut butter along with cash and other non-perishable foods. These items were collected for the local food bank with the knowledge that peanut butter is a popular item among the children who benefit from the donations.

Many clubs are bringing warmth to the school through the many events that they are a part of as well. The Student Nurses Organization (SNO) spends time helping out at the Christmas House. Christmas house is a completely volunteer run, non-profit organization that gives opportunities to low-income parents to select gifts for their children for free. “Last year SNO donated two or three bikes to the Christmas House,” explained Ashley Hawthorne, SNO member and EvCC student, “we just set out the helmets and when parents gathered the presents and were leaving those who thought they were just picking up a helmet came away with a bike as well. “Hawthorne expanded on the neat experience this was as well as the warmth that filled the Christmas House as parents were able to pick out gifts that were sure to bring bright smiles to their children’s faces.

This time of year is so much more than watching the temperature drop and anxiously walking from one heated building to the other, it is about being aware of one another and finding the warmth that comes from caring and spreading joy. Before zipping up your jacket and braving the outdoors, consider what you have to offer this holiday season whether it is assorted gifts, homemade cookies to your neighbor or even a smile to a stranger.