By Walter Ryce

On Dec. 7, Cal State Monterey Bay students got an early holiday gift. 

That’s because on Nov. 30, the CSUMB Alumni Association gathered at the Otter Express eatery for a new holiday event, Pack-a-Bag. 

They filled tote bags with gifts and essentials including socks donated by Bombas, insulated drink bottles, winter beanie caps, fanny packs made by an alumni-owned business Sun-Paxx, coloring books and colored pencils, candy canes, chapstick and more. The bags were then given to current students enrolled in the Guardian Scholars program on Dec. 7. 

According to Julia Guzman, EOP Guardian Scholars coordinator, the program supports “current and former foster youth, wards of the court, unaccompanied homeless youth, orphans, adopted children, youth under legal kinship or guardianship care” through advocacy, mentorship, support, empowerment and a personal-care pantry. 

There are currently 33 students enrolled in the Guardian Scholars program. Those who identify with one of the above categories can apply through the Guardian Scholars web page. 

This year was the launch of the Pack-a-Bag program, but the intention is that it will recur annually. 

Those who would like to join with the Alumni Association in supporting Guardian Scholars can email Julia Guzman and sponsor dorm accessories and essentials including: 

• Gift cards of $10 or more for restaurants, grocery stores, gasoline, etc.
• Money toward the Guardian Scholars Program at CSUMB
• Bed sheets for extra-long twin mattresses
• Blankets, comforters, pillows
• Bathroom rugs, shower curtains, shower caddies, bath towels
• Cleaning supplies
• Laundry baskets and detergent
• CSUMB college gear