Hundreds of Clark College students and their family members flocked to the STEM Building for the Second Annual Free Holiday Market on the afternoon of December 4. This well-received event that was first offered last year is back by popular demand.

The Free Holiday Market gives students and their families an opportunity to shop for holiday gifts for their families and themselves — without the financial burden. Started in 2023, the annual event invites students and family members to shop at more than 50 tables laden with items donated by generous staff, faculty, and administrators.

This year, more than 350 students and guests shopped for gifts. Before the event even began, students eagerly lined up, and the steady flow of shoppers continued throughout the event. Parents helped children pick out toys, students scanned items looking for gifts for their families and friends, and staff working the tables helped students find gifts that might be a good fit for their recipients in mind.

The planning committee expanded the market’s offerings by handing out snacks and including more children’s crafts activities. A new free clothing table was also a popular addition. They even hosted a new door prize, which pulled tickets throughout the event for the opportunity to win large items.

Chef Alison Dolder, head of the Professional Baking & Pastry Arts program, first had the idea to host a free student holiday market and was on the planning committee. She said, “I think it was really nice to see a real sense of community and to see Clark show students how much we care.” Referencing the COVID-19 pandemic that drove the community off-campus, she added, “It was nice to see everyone in one place again.”

How it works

• Students registered to participate as shoppers. Upon arrival, shoppers were given free tickets so they could shop.
• Students also get a special ticket for a door prize drawing for big-ticket items like giant penguin plushies or waffle irons.
• Employees ran the event and students from various student groups volunteered to help at the event.
• Staff, faculty, and administrators donated new or gently used gift items such as toys, games, puzzles, books, clothing, jewelry, craftwork, and household items. Every item can be ‘purchased’ with free tickets.
• Departments and individuals from around the campus hosted gift tables.
• Representatives from various support services were present.

Ongoing opportunities to give to students

• WES Giving Tree: Collecting new hats, gloves, scarves, hand warmers, socks, and throws for students and their families through January 10, 2025, in GHL 215.
• Basic Needs Hub: Donate here to this brand-new hub designed to connect students with essential resources for student success.
• Clark College Foundation: Check out the many ways our Foundation has set up to support our students through payroll deduction or one-time donation to any specific causes.

Special Acknowledgments

This year’s event is sponsored by the ASCC club, NERD Girls & GEEKS, along with the Engineering program and the McClaskey Culinary Institute.

Thank you to this year’s organizing committee:

Tina Barsotti
Alison Dolder
Judi Georgeades-Tambara
Stephanie Hall
Carol Hsu
Fay Shorten
Lucy Winslow

One of the most cherished and memorable events from last year is back! On December 4, from 3–5 p.m. in the STEM building, we will be hosting the Second Annual Free Holiday Market for Clark College students.

Why a Free Holiday Market?

The idea originated during the pandemic. We’re all too familiar with quarantines, family and friends being kept apart, and lockdowns. The feelings of isolation and loss of normal, everyday living took a great toll on our communities. The Free Holiday Market was a way to get students, faculty, and staff back on campus for a community-building event that benefits students and families.

The cost of living is up and so are the requests for Penguin Pantry food boxes. Students struggle to make ends meet. When students must decide where their money is spent, rent, food, utilities, and childcare come first. Spending money on gifts and fun things falls by the wayside. Enter the Free Holiday Market!

Clark College is here to serve the student population. The Free Holiday Market shows them that Clark cares about them and their families at every level. Every item available for students at the market is free. All items are generously donated by faculty and staff. Representatives from various support services at Clark will be at the market.

How You Can Get Involved

Faculty and staff can volunteer to help run the event OR host a table of donated and ‘regiftable’ items.

Please visit the links below to learn more about helping out with this event!

• Students can register by emailing their Name and Student ID number to: holidaymarket@clark.edu
• Student volunteers sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B4FAEAD28A0F58-52212521-clark?useFullSite=true#/
• Staff and Faculty Volunteer sign-up including hosting a table: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49AAAB2BAAFBCF8-52638720-staff?useFullSite=true#/

Flyers available for distribution:

• https://news.clark.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FHM-24-Table-Hosts.pdf
• https://news.clark.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FHM-24-Student-Volunteers.pdf
• https://news.clark.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FHM-24-Student-Flyer.pdf

This year’s event is sponsored by the ASCC club: NERD Girls & GEEKS along with the Engineering program and the McClaskey Culinary Institute. If you have questions contact the organizers at holidaymarket@clark.edu.

Learn more: Read about last year’s inaugural Free Holiday Market.