Every winter, Mendocino County Office of Education (MCOE) employees and community members partner to bring joy to homeless students through an annual Gift Drive. Now in its tenth year, this initiative has grown to serve over 280 students across Mendocino County annually, providing gifts and a sense of community and care during a challenging time of year for many.
In the MCOE River Campus lobby in Ukiah, a festive display features pegboards adorned with tags. Each tag includes general information about a student, such as their age and gift preferences, allowing sponsors to select a meaningful gift with ease. Gift card requests and financial donations are also available for sponsors who prefer a simpler way to contribute.
Student Services & Wellness Director Chris Kinney, Foster and Homeless Youth Services Coordinator Blythe Post, and staff member Brady Nord lead the campaign, ensuring every student on the list is matched with a sponsor.
This tradition has garnered widespread support from MCOE staff and the broader community. County Superintendent of Schools Nicole Glentzer remarked, “For families without stable housing, the holidays can be especially challenging. This effort allows us to share comfort and kindness with children who might otherwise go without. I’m continually inspired by the compassion of our staff and community.”
Two Ways to Donate
- Fill a Gift Request: Beginning Wednesday, November 19, members of the public are invited to stop by the MCOE River Campus lobby (2240 Old River Road, Ukiah) on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to select a gift tag from the pegboard display. Each tag represents a local child’s holiday wish and corresponds to a gift valued at about $25. Please record your selected tag number in the logbook provided and return the wrapped gift with the tag number attached no later than Friday, December 12.
- Donate: Contributions to the Gift Drive Fund are accepted year-round. A $25 donation provides a holiday gift for one student. Checks should be made payable to MCOE with “Gift Drive” noted in the memo line, and may be mailed or delivered to MCOE Foster & Homeless Youth Services, 2240 Old River Road, Ukiah, CA 95482. To make a secure online donation, please visit: paybee.io/@mendoschools@3.
Foster and Homeless Youth Services Coordinator Blythe Post explained that the inspiration for the Gift Drive came from observing the added stress homeless students often feel during the holidays when they lack the resources to celebrate like their peers. "This drive ensures that every child our agency supports experiences some joy this winter," she said.
In the past three years, MCOE surpassed previous records, relying on donations and community participation to make the season special for all 280+ children on the list.
Year-round, the MCOE Foster and Homeless Youth Services team supports homeless youth by coordinating with schools, community agencies, and social services to provide essentials like food, clothing, and school supplies thanks to partnerships with organizations and agencies, including Barajas Real Estate Group, Community Foundation of Mendocino County, Deep Valley Security, First Baptist Church Ukiah, Grocery Outlet Ukiah, Mendocino County Probation Department, Redwood Empire Title Company, Selzer Realty & Associates, Ukiah Elks Lodge, Ukiah Kiwanis Club, and Ukiah Valley Adventist Health.
“Every small contribution represents to a student that they are seen and they matter,” said Blythe Post. “That sense of care and connection is what the holidays are about.”