Your guide to making an impact this holiday season, and beyond

The air is crisp, the lights are twinkling, and finals are (almost) over-the holiday season is officially upon us! While it's a time for celebrations and well-deserved breaks, it's also the season that amplifies the spirit of giving. As members of a vibrant university community, we have a unique chance to leverage our collective energy and resources to make a real difference right where we live and study.

This year, skip the generic resolutions and commit to giving back locally. Here's a look at vital areas within our academic communities where you can lend a hand, inspired by the social responsibility efforts of our university partners and beyond.

Fighting food insecurity: Support your campus food pantry

Food insecurity affects students and staff on campuses nationwide. Your university likely has an initiative dedicated to ensuring no community member goes hungry. It likely affects more than one person you know on campus. More than one in five undergraduate students in the U.S. report experiencing food insecurity-a rate that is often double the national average for all households.

Research tracking students over nearly two decades found that students who experienced food insecurity were 43% less likely to graduate from college compared to their food-secure peers. With food pantry donations, you can aid UCU in supporting your peers in need.
 

In 2025, we accelerated our annual donations to university food pantries and basic needs programs to help meet rising demand among students, faculty, and staff affected by the ongoing government shutdown and reduced SNAP benefits.

How you can help:
 

• Host a food drive: Organize a friendly competition between campus clubs, dorm floors, or departments to collect non-perishable goods. Many institutions, including those supported by UCU, have dedicated campus food pantries that rely on these donations.
• Volunteer your time: Campus pantries often need help sorting donations, stocking shelves, and managing inventory. A few hours of your time can keep the pantry running smoothly through the holiday break.
• Donate essential items: Beyond canned goods, consider donating toiletries, menstrual products, and household necessities, which are crucial for student wellness.
   

Spreading cheer to children: Toy drives and donations
 

The holidays should be a time of excitement for children, and volunteer efforts can help bring that magic to families facing challenges.
 

How you can help:

• Contribute to a hospital drive: Look for opportunities to support local children's hospitals. For instance, annually UCU supports the UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital Toy Drive, a major initiative where donations bring comfort and joy to patients and provide some relief to their families during their stay.
• Wrap gifts: Many campus groups and charities collect gifts but may need assistance wrapping them. Organize a fun, festive wrapping session with friends-it's a great way to socialize while volunteering.
• Create care packages: Assemble themed care packages for children or teens in need, filling them with art supplies, books, or cozy winter gear. 

Empowering future leaders: Educational & alumni support

Beyond physical donations, you can give back by supporting the education and professional development of your peers and future students. UCU supports students with various donations to scholarship programs, and annually holds a scholarship contest giving away three $5,000 scholarships to UCU members who are making an impact in their communities.
 

How you can help:

• Support scholarship programs: Volunteer to assist your university's development or alumni offices with scholarship administration, review applications, or help with fundraising events.
• Offer mentorship/tutoring: Use your academic skills to give back. Volunteer to tutor local K-12 students or host free study sessions for younger students on campus.
• Promote financial wellness: Encourage and participate in financial literacy webinars and workshops. Helping fellow students and community members gain the tools for smart financial decisions is a gift that lasts a lifetime.

Make your mark this holiday season-volunteer your time

The university community is a powerful network. Whether you're a student, faculty member, staff, or alumni, your time and effort are the most valuable donations you can offer. This holiday season, connect with your university's student government, staff assembly, or community engagement office to find a perfect fit for your volunteer spirit.
 

Happy Holidays-and happy giving!