A winter coat. A Pokémon toy. A pair of warm gloves. Several local families in need are “adopted” each year by Siena, and the only Christmas gifts they receive will be the ones purchased and wrapped by Saints.
The College’s Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy has been organizing the Giving Tree holiday program for nearly 30 years. They connect with area non-profits who share the names and needs of families who could use some Christmas cheer. Tags with gifts to be purchased are then hung on decorated trees in Sarazen Student Union, Snyder Hall, the Chapel and the Trustco Building. Siena community members can select a tag and purchase the gift indicated, wrap it up and put in under one of the trees.
If you’re a little short on funds and still want to help, no worries. Judy Dougherty, director of the Franciscan Center, said people can go in together on a gift, or donate through her office. Proceeds will be used to purchase presents or gift cards.
“No amount is too small,” said Dougherty. “Every bit helps these families.”
What gifts are families asking for? She said the non-profits indicate practical items that are “need to have” such as socks, pajamas or coats, and “nice to have” such as toys, perfume or craft sets.
There are several Siena departments and offices that adopt their own family each year and build team spirit by shopping for them. Jen Sloan, associate director of admissions, has been coordinating the holiday family adoption by the Enrollment Management team for several years.
“Siena’s Giving Tree program not only helps families and individuals in need, but it gifts the Siena community with the opportunity to make someone's holiday a bit brighter,” said Sloan. “It is a reminder of just how very fortunate we are when you see the wishes from individuals that typically list basic needs.
“I look forward to getting the family list from Judy every year and watching our Enrollment Management group work as a team to go above and beyond to ensure our Giving Tree family has a holiday season to remember. I have been so very proud to captain this project, and watch the spirit of giving truly come alive.”
Dougherty said Siena’s ongoing support of this effort is crucial, as each year the list of families in need grows.
“It’s a very special tradition and a terrific way for the Siena community to practice our Franciscan mission,” she said. “All of the support goes to local families, and for most recipients these will be their only Christmas presents.”
Phia Guertin ’25 has been helping to coordinate the Giving Tree for three years, getting the gift tags together, organizing the kickoff party, and sorting the donated gifts to make sure everything is accounted for. She also shops for the gifts that were not selected, so that every recipient is assured of a present.
“The Giving Tree is a great way to inspire generosity at Siena, and to kickstart the holiday season,” said Guertin. “It provides children and families with gifts for the holidays they wouldn't otherwise receive, which are often winter jackets and shoes to help them stay warm through the cold winter months. I think it is an opportunity for Siena to not only help those who are less fortunate, but also to be thankful for what we have, and that we have the ability to give back.”
Siena’s Habitat for Humanity chapter adopts a family each year and buys items from both their “need to have” and “nice to have” lists.
“I am excited to receive the donations from club members and to go shop for them on behalf of habitat!” said chapter president Abby James-Vickery ’25. “At Siena we are very focused on the community aspect of our campus, and I feel strongly that this same idea should be applied to the community around us.”
Julia Coben ’24 is also a long-time Giving Tree volunteer.
“The Giving Tree is one of the most exciting times of the year in the Franciscan Center office, as it is all hands on deck in helping to make it run as smoothly as possible,” said Coben. “It is so great to see the rest of the school get into the Christmas spirit through service and giving. It’s special because so much of the Siena community is involved!"
There is still time to shop or donate to support the Giving Tree. Gift tags can be found on trees in the locations noted above, or you can donate a dollar amount of your choice by contacting dougherty@siena.edu.