Holiday outreach opportunities at Pacific

'Tis the season to be thankful, and groups across University of the Pacific's three campuses are inviting others to join them in expressing that gratitude by performing kindnesses for others. Here are some of the ways members of the Pacific community can help over the holidays:  

SAN FRANCISCO

Giving Tree
The Employee Volunteer Opportunities Committee invites you to join in the spirit of giving by participating in their Giving Treornament exchange. When you donate to one of their local community charities at the table in Molinari Great Hall, you can select a hand-made ornament to hang on the Giving Tree near the main stairway.

• Animal Care & Control (ACC): donate items or money to help our furry friends find forever homes, and "awwww!" at photos of adoptable pets.
• One Warm Coat: donate a new or gently used coat to help those who may not own a coat to keep them warm in this chilly weather.
• Children's Book Project: donate new or gently used books intended for age 3-11 in English, Chinese, Spanish or other languages. 

New this year: pet gift bags and stockings
Proceeds from sales of these fun items benefit San Francisco Animal Care and Control. Makes a great gift for your four-legged friend. 

The Giving Tree ornament exchange will be avaialbe in Molinari Great Hall from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. through Dec. 19. 

STOCKTON

Dec. 14 - Christmas in Paradise - Paradise Fundraiser
University of the Pacific is a co-sponsor of this special dinner fundraiser to support the victims of the recent Paradise wildfires.  The event includes a dinner, live auction and music and 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the people of Paradise, CA. 
Location: DeRosa University Center Ballroom

Nov. 12–Dec. 14 ─ Holiday ROAR Book Drive
This monthlong community outreach is all about increasing childhood literacy by putting new books in the hands of 3- to 9-year-olds from low-income families in San Joaquin County. Drop off one or more new titles suitable for that age group ─ there's a particular need for Spanish-language books ─ at the DeRosa University Center, and two groups will distribute them: Pacific's Community Involvement Program and the nonprofit Reach Out and Read San Joaquin. TFor more information and list of suggested books, visit Holiday Roar 

California Wildfire Relief
Many of our Pacific families, students, faculty, staff and alumni alike have been impacted by the recent devastating wildfires. Here are a few sources available to those who would like to contribute to help the families who have lost so much:

Northern California United Way wildfire relief.
You can also designate wildfire relief for your United Way pledge through Pacific's United Way campaign.
Red Cross (select California Wildfires)
Or call 1.800.REDCROSS, or text the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a $10 donation) Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters.    

Year-round giving

Pacific Food Pantry - emergency food for Pacific students
Although many will be sitting down to tables laden with food over the holidays, some students worry about having enough to eat. You can ease their stress over Thanksgiving and Christmas ─ and every other time of the year ─ by donating money or nonperishable food items to the Pacific Food Pantry on campus. Fellow students can use extra dining points on their meal plan to buy groceries at The Grove and donate those items. The pantry also accepts donations of personal hygiene products such as deodorant, shampoo and body/face wash to toothpaste, etc.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
Location: Cowell Wellness Center
For more information or to arrange a pick-up: 209.946.2315, ask for Liz Thompson or Julie Moresco. 

Career Closet - business attire
Help students put their best foot forward in a job interview by donating workplace outfits to the Career Resource Center. What's needed: New or lightly worn women's blouses, blazers, pants and dresses size XS to M; men's dress shirts, pants and blazers, size S-M; women's shoes, size 5-7; men's shoes, size 8-10, necklaces. No outdated or casual clothes or open-toed shoes. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 
Location: Career Resource Center, 2nd Floor, McCaffrey Center