The nonprofit organization Women Escape A Violent Environment and the Enriched Scholars Program have set up donation drives at Cosumnes River College for the holiday season which will benefit women, men and children affected by violence and foster youth students by providing them with toys and clothing.

WEAVE gives an opportunity for parents to ensure their families the ability to provide a joyful holiday by hosting toy drives at schools, businesses and organizations. WEAVE clients will receive three items for their children and themselves during the month of December, according to WEAVE’s website.

“It’s good to have that feeling of community, especially for those who are in need,” said Miguel Olvera, 24, a mathematics major. “A lot of people try to shy away from school because they can’t afford it, so we want them to feel more at home.”

WEAVE accepts new toys and games for all ages, except toys that depict violence such as toy guns. WEAVE also accepts other items such as gift cards, journals, clothing, stationery supplies and electronics, according to WEAVE’s website.

Students can get involved by hosting a toy drive themselves. WEAVE can provide you with flyers to post in businesses and organizations. Provide a donation box, place it in central places and check the donation box regularly until you drop off your donations at WEAVE, according to WEAVE’s website.

Students and staff can drop off new and unwrapped gifts for WEAVE’s Holiday Shop in the Career and Transfer Center from Nov. 6 until Dec. 11. If you would like more information on how to volunteer or host a toy drive, contact Megan Laurie at 916-319-4909 or through email at [email protected].

ESP is an academic support service committed to providing mentorship, financial assistance, community resources and personal growth to current or former foster youth students. ESP puts foster youth student needs first by guiding them in their educational goals. ESP is also taking donations of scarves and gloves for the End of the Semester Holiday Celebration on Dec.14.

It is a time where ESP recognizes students for their GPAs, honors and students that are graduating in the fall and also a time for students to reconnect with their peers and celebrate completing the semester, said ESP and Student Success and Support Program Specialist and Liaison Aselia Valadez Melo.

Gloves and scarves will be distributed to current and former foster youth students as they reconnect with their peers and enjoy a formal dinner, said Melo.

Monetary donations are also welcomed, as they will be used to purchase the items. Drop-off locations are in the Student Access Center in L-125 or the ESP office in L-125C. Donations are accepted until Dec. 13. For more information, call the ESP office at 916-691-7075.

Jesse Dewhurst, 20, an English major, expressed his views on the initiative CRC has taken.

“It’s a community college, but it feels inclusive as a university,” said Dewhurst. “It’s nice to see the initiative CRC is taking and helping out during the holidays.”