Aiken Technical College brings holiday hope to students and families

In December, Aiken Technical College brought the spirit of the season to life through its Angel Tree Project, providing holiday support to students and their families. 

“The first year, faculty and staff supported 48 individuals—including students and their families. Building on that success, this year the project expanded significantly, with faculty and staff sponsoring 70 individuals—including students and their families,” said Crystal Edwards, Aiken Tech’s Dean of Student Success and Retention.

The Aiken Technical College Foundation contributed $10,000 in gift cards, ensuring that no family was left unsupported. Donors provided a wide range of items, including clothing, shoes, toys, books, gift cards, and household essentials.

“The Adopt-A-Family Project has significantly improved the delivery of student support services by integrating financial assistance, food security, and emotional well-being into one initiative,” Edwards said. “Due to the overwhelming needs of our students, this was the second year we implemented the Adopt-A-Family Christmas Project.”

Jaleea Jones, a single mother of three and a full-time student at Aiken Technical College, expressed her appreciation for the project and its impact on her family.

“The way they organized, promoted, and carried out this project reflects their dedication to creating a caring, inclusive campus community,” Jones said. “This initiative not only eased the financial stress of the holiday season for families like mine but also reminded us that we are seen, valued, and supported.”

In addition to the Angel Tree and Adopt-A-Family efforts, the Knights’ Corner Food Pantry curated holiday meal bags, transforming a basic support service into a festive experience. Together, these initiatives bridged gaps between academic departments, student services, and philanthropy, demonstrating a collaborative, campus-wide approach to student success.