Now in its 26th year, this long-loved tradition continues to brighten the season for local children, supporting six partner organizations and matching 125 kids with 101 generous sponsors from across the campus community, including alumni. Even more volunteers are stepping up to help wrap gifts, proving once again that Winter Wishes is a celebration of giving in every form.
What began decades ago with former Cal Poly Humboldt employee Bill Clem has grown into an enduring expression of kindness, currently coordinated by Forever Humboldt, the University’s alumni and friends association. Each year, sponsors receive wish lists filled with hopes big and small—new shoes, art supplies, cozy clothes, gift cards, favorite toys, bikes—and they bring them to life, one child at a time.
“For 26 years, Winter Wishes has shown what makes Humboldt so special. When our community sees a need, we show up with open hearts and helping hands. Every sponsor, every volunteer, every carefully wrapped gift is a reminder that kindness is our strongest tradition. Watching students, faculty, staff, and alumni come together to brighten a child’s holiday is one of the most meaningful things we do, and it continues to inspire me year after year,” says Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Sara Novak.
For some sponsors, giving through Winter Wishes has become a cherished personal tradition.
“I feel very fortunate to be in a position where I can help the quality of other people's experiences, especially children,” says longtime participant and Humboldt alum Rita Carole (‘01, Educational Leadership). “As we all know, the receiving comes from the giving. Knowing that I will be helping a family enjoy their winter holiday brings me great pleasure.”
For Art History Professor Julie Alderson, Winter Wishes is woven into her sense of the season. “I can't remember how long I've been a Winter Wishes sponsor, but I've done it every year since I started,” she says. “It must be nearing 10 years by now, and I've encouraged several friends to sign up, too!”
The program is tied to childhood memories and family traditions Alderson still cherishes today.
“Every year when I see the request for participation, I immediately sign up. It's one of the ways I know the holidays are officially upon us,” Alderson says.
Alderson especially values the way Winter Wishes builds connections beyond campus.
“My favorite part of the program is the way it connects the campus to the community at large. I love knowing that I'm creating community on campus, with all of the other program participants and volunteers, and also knowing that we're bringing all of that positive energy off campus.”
She chooses to sponsor older children, those whose wish lists may feel more practical than playful. While younger kids often dream of toys, teens might ask for shoes, clothes, or gift cards. Alderson loves imagining them choosing something special for themselves, just as she did at their age. “I usually get each young person I buy for a gift card, and also an actual gift they can open and enjoy on Christmas Day.”
Stories like these are the heart of Winter Wishes. Whether someone shops, donates, or spends an afternoon wrapping gifts, each person becomes part of something bigger: a campuswide tradition built on kindness, community, and the belief that every child deserves joy during the holidays.
And there’s still time to be part of it.
If you didn’t sign up as a sponsor, you can still help make the season brighter. Join Forever Humboldt for one of the Winter Wishes Wrapping Parties on Thursday, Dec. 11, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 12, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center. Lend a hand, wrap a gift, and share in the spirit that makes this program shine year after year.