Intentional Giving
Make a personal impact by engaging directly in the joy of giving. Select a family, purchase meaningful gifts, and wrap them with care. These hands-on contributions create memorable experiences and remind children and families that they are valued and supported.
We invite all members of the campus community to "adopt a family" by selecting an envelope from any of four wreaths on campus. When adopting a family, you commit to purchasing a gift for each child.
How to Participate:
- Visit one of the wreaths on campus
- Select an envelope with family information
- Purchase a gift for each child and wrap the gifts!
- Drop off your gifts at: Community Engagement Center (KL 190)
- Drop-off Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Deadline: All gifts must be dropped off by Wednesday, December 17th at 4:00 PM at the CEC or DCC
- Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the same location
Wreath Locations:
- Location 1: The Downtown Campus Center (DCC)
- Location 2: Administration Building 3rd Floor
- Location 3: The Community Engagement Center (KL 190)
- Location 4: Engineering Suite 315
Note: All gifts and toys will be distributed through All Dads Matter & Merced County HSA. If you have questions, please email us at
communityservice@ucmerced.edu.
Join the SSHA (School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts) in partnership with the Merced Police & Fire Department for their annual Holiday Toy Drive! Help bring joy to children in our community by donating unwrapped toys and books.
Donation Details:
- Accepting: All unwrapped toys, books, and supplementary supplies to enable youth activity.
- Especially Need: Ages 10-12 years old gifts (art kits, bracelet kits, sports balls, legos, etc.)
- Collection Period: November 20th - December 4th
Drop-Off Locations:
- SSHA Dean's Suite Reception (COB-1 259)
- UC Merced Beginnings Lighting Event
CTK Quad | December 4th, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Help support local foster youth by donating essential items they need. Your contributions of personal care items and household essentials can make a significant impact in the lives of young people in our community.
Drop Off Location: KL 222 (Bright Success Center)
Financial Contributions
Support our community through direct donations. Your gift provides essential resources such as holiday meals, household necessities, and program funding. Monetary contributions ensure that families and youth receive consistent, reliable support during the season of giving.
This holiday season, we're teaming up with All Dads Matter to raise donations for meals to families in need across the Merced community. Your support is more than just a donation; it's a gift of comfort during a time when it's needed most.
Impact of Your Donation:
- Each meal provided costs approximately $70
- Every contribution, no matter the amount, can make a lasting difference
- Whether your gift is large or small, it will directly benefit local families
- Brighten the holiday season and help families feel the power of community support
By contributing to the Thanks for Giving initiative, you're playing a vital role in our mission to support families through the holidays and beyond. Join us in creating a ripple of kindness that extends across our community, bringing joy and relief to those who need it most.
When donating: On the donation page, under "My gift is in support of" please designate The Community Engagement Center.
Donate
The Guardian Scholars Program's annual Gift Box Project is a community engagement and outreach initiative that raises funds, warm clothing items, and personal hygiene items for local foster youth.
About the Project:
- Gift cards and gift boxes provided for local foster youth
- Serves youth in the Merced and Turlock communities
- Partnership with Creative Alternatives program
When donating: On the donation page, under "My gift is in support of" please designate Guardian Scholars Program Support.
Donate
