The Student Senate is giving Vistians the opportunity to open their hearts by donating toys and canned goods through the Spirit of Vista Giving Drive.

The second annual drive benefits the Sacramento Food Bank and UC Davis’s Children’s Hospital in an effort to help local families this holiday season. The donation event that started Dec. 4th and ends Dec. 18.

It’s in UC Davis Children’s Hospital’s best interest to make sure the young patients feel at home during the holidays, even if that is not their reality.

By holding the toy drive each year, they help the children have a memorable Christmas. This is an opportunity for everyone to donate toys for children stuck in the hospital, unable to be at home with their families.

 ”We do everything we can to make it as normal as possible,” said Jennifer Marstine, employee at UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

Some children can’t even leave their rooms. For them, helpers bring their presents to their bed and make their room as safe and festive as possible.

Of course, there’s nothing like children’s expressions when they open their gifts.

The Spirit of Vista Giving Drive is one way to get involved and make these children’s holidays brighter.

“I think it is important for Vista students to give back. There are families in and around our community who are in need,” said ASB Vice President Reed Waxham.

The drive is also a competition between the four grades. There is a spirit point system based on what you donate. Non-perishable foods, such as canned soup, are worth one point, new and unwrapped toys are worth two, and new or lightly used clothing is worth two.