Free Christmas Tree to Students

A slumping economy, mounting job losses, and a weakening dollar have made it difficult for many families to make ends meet. The financial strain can be even harder on college students with families. To help its less fortunate students, Honolulu Community College (HCC) will be holding a campus tree decorating contest and donate the fully decorated trees to HCC students and their families. Although the contest is campus-wide, the motivation behind it comes from HCC’s student government, the Associated Students of the University of Hawai‘i (ASUH).

The donation of trees comes at a time when many of the same students behind this contest themselves are having a hard time financially. “…trying to take care of my own family while going to school and working is tough in a good economy. I am very worried about how we (students) are going to take care of everything as the economy worsens,” said Joseph Lewis, HCC-ASUH president. His concerns were echoed by many HCC students across the campus, many who realize that everyone will be impacted by the economic downturn. One unnamed student stated, “I know it’s not just us (students) who are going to feel the crunch. A lot of people with kids in both better and worse spots financially who are going to get hurt…”

The decorated trees will be on display in the HCC cafeteria from December 10th to 15th. A total of 10 trees will be decorated by various HCC offices and programs. In addition, a request for clothes, toys, and other items has gone out to the entire HCC campus. It is hoped that gifts can also be given to families who are awarded one of the trees.

If you would like to donate to this effort, please contact HCC’s ASUH Office at 808-845-9268 or HCC’s Student Life & Development Office at 808-845-9219.

Event Sponsor
ASUH-HCC Student Senate, Honolulu Campus

More Information
Joseph Lewis, 845-9268, asuh@hcc.hawaii.edu

Ongoing Events