The following is a press release issued by the Mendocino County Office of Education:
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
Fulfill a Gift Request: Public members 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 13.
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, 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.”
The more homeless students, the better as far as MCOE is concerned. Homeless students provide for lucrative grant funds and nice photo ops for Nicole glentzer and her grifting crew to enjoy. Please note that no unsavory homeless were used in this photo op.
“Here we are clutching a couple hundred bucks worth of token donations in front of the camera. Celebrate MCOE, but most importantly funnel us more money!” Nary a beleaguered beneficiary in sight.
It would only be slightly more offensive if glentzer and crew took a pic of themselves bathing in gold ingots and crisp bills a la Scrooge McDuck.
Maybe so. But everybody is making money as a middle man. Everyone. Unless the grocery store is growing food behind the counter?…..
Fumar… I take it you’ve never had any assistance from any agency to help you through some rough times… never have been homeless in 30 degree weather. Never went many days without food, water, a bed, a shower, ended up soaking wet while trying to sleep.?
You be one Lucky person. I wish all of the families this program helps had it as good as you do… and have had all of your entire lucky life… JusSay’n
It is a very narrow view you hold Fumar. I worked directly with homeless students in this community… They are living in cars, campgrounds, shipping containers during this time of year. Many of them only get one gift, and those are the ones that MCOE provides. Also do your research on state and federal funding, because the amount of federal funding that comes through to the county office is pennies…which barely covers a portion of the salary for the staff to do that job., Yet they continue to reach out for community resources, and write separate grants, hit the streets to get creative so that no kids get left without. That includes food, shoes, jackets, rain boots, prom tickets, science camps, and all the other things that are afforded to elite students. And federal funding doesn’t cover that!