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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 eighth year, this initiative has grown to serve over 300 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 lists general information about a student, such as their age and wish list ideas, making it easy for sponsors to choose a gift that will bring a smile to a child’s face. Student Services & Wellness Director Shane Hildebrand, 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, “The holiday season can be an especially difficult time for families experiencing homelessness. Through this drive, we have an opportunity to bring joy and hope to children who need it most, and I’m proud of the generosity shown by our staff and community members.”
How to Get Involved
Take a Tag: Members of the public are invited to visit the MCOE River Campus lobby at 2240 Old River Road in Ukiah on weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., and select a gift tag from the pegboard. Each tag represents a child’s wish and should guide a gift purchase of around $25. Log your chosen tag in the provided logbook and return the wrapped gift with the tag number by Friday, December 13th.
Donate: A $25 donation funds a gift for one student. Write a check payable to MCOE and include "Gift Drive" in the memo line. Mail or deliver your check to MCOE Foster & Homeless Youth Services at 2240 Old River Road, Ukiah, CA 95482.
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 two years, MCOE surpassed previous records, relying on donations and community participation to make the season special for all 300+ 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 Community Foundation of Mendocino County, Deep Valley Security, First Baptist Church Ukiah, Grocery Outlet Ukiah, Mendocino County Probation Department, Selzer Realty & Associates, Ukiah Elks Lodge, Ukiah Kiwanis Club, and Ukiah Valley Adventist Health.
“Every little bit helps, and you may never know the impact you have on a homeless student, but it is profound, ” said Shane Hildebrand. “With the Gift Drive, we’re not just giving presents—we’re offering hope and connection.”
CONTACT: Brady Nord, MCOE Foster and Homeless Youth Services Program Assistant: bnord@mcoe.us, 707-367-7919.