BSCTC Faculty and Staff Continue Holiday Gift Project to Help Student Parents

Published on Dec 19, 2025

Faculty and staff at Big Sandy Community and Technical College spread Christmas cheer by continuing their tradition of generosity through the annual special gift project, which supports the children of current students.

The initiative, organized by the Departments of Libraries, Academic Center for Excellence, and Online Education, aims to bring joy and relief to student parents balancing coursework, family responsibilities, and financial challenges. The departments worked as a team to make the project a reality.

“The members of our college community are kind, caring and always focused on serving our students,” said Judy Howell, dean of libraries, online education and tutoring. “They make me proud every day, but especially when we achieve a project like this. Projects like this wouldn’t be possible without my team.”

This holiday season, 41 faculty and staff members volunteered to sponsor the children of BSCTC

 students, purchasing gifts tailored to each child’s age and interests. Their kindness met a significant need: forty-four student parents registered, representing 94 children who received gifts through the project.

The annual effort reflects BSCTC’s commitment to fostering a supportive and family-friendly campus community and helps student parents provide a memorable holiday experience for their children. Faculty and staff demonstrate the college’s core values of service, compassion and community partnership.

“This program highlights one of my favorite aspects of working here and being part of the BSCTC community,” said Joseph Caldwell, instructional designer. “I get to see faculty and staff come together to serve our students in a variety of ways, and this program is extra special because it helps bring cheer and ease some of the burden for students fulfilling multiple roles, including college student, parent or guardian, and often more.”

The success of the holiday gift project highlights the strength and unity of the BSCTC family during the holiday season.