Project Optimism’s Power of Giving: Fun and Gift Experience Event
Throughout this past holiday season, I had the opportunity to give back to my community here in Long Beach. Growing up in North Long Beach, I often felt disconnected from the culture and people in my own city. I attended school in a different district and formed close relationships with students there from K-12. Now, as a student at Cal State University of Long Beach, I have connected with many community members who have inspired me to contribute to our city’s achievements.
Every year, Project Optimism, a non-profit community engagement and personal development program, hosts an annual toy drive to bring the community together during the holiday season. They also offer volunteer opportunities and provide local resources for the community to benefit from. This year, they were able to provide over 250 families with 2,000 toys, thanks to donations from Mattel, students, community members, and more.
At this event, I volunteered alongside members of CSULB’s National Pan-Hellenic Council, Black Student Union, Black Health Professions Organization, and Honey’s Dance Team. Together, we did arts and crafts with families, such as decorating wooden ornaments and writing letters to Santa. Two of our students, Schylar Turner, the Volunteer Lead, and Stevion Hutchins, a youth mentor, played key roles in ensuring the event’s success. They also collaborated with local programs in Long Beach to provide a “resource fair” at the beginning of the event. Foundations like the April Parker Foundation shared information about their Futures First Program and provided gift cards to participants interested in signing up.
This is my second year donating to Project Optimism’s annual toy drive and volunteering at their event. The holiday season is not only about giving back to your loved ones but also to the community that helps you thrive. I look forward to attending this year’s toy drive event and many more successful years to come.
