Giving Tree Lighting

About this event

🎄 Celebrating 60 Years of Community, Connection, and Giving — 1966–2026

For 60 years, Waubonsee Community College has been building brighter futures for our students and the communities we serve. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we invite you to continue that tradition of caring by helping Waubonsee families experience a little extra joy this holiday season.

We hope you’ll join us on November 4 at noon as we light the tree and celebrate the spirit of giving!

Current Waubonsee Students: Arrive early to sign up for a $25 Amazon gift card. Gift cards will be handed out after the ceremony at 12:30 p.m. Limited quantities available. First come, first served!

🎤 Special guest speaker: J.D. Ostergaard, Executive Director of Fox Valley United Way

This year, 60 children connected to Waubonsee students are waiting to be adopted through our Holiday Assistance Program in partnership with Fox Valley United Way. Behind every ornament is a child and a family working through life's challenges while striving for a brighter future.

Some families are recovering from a house fire or navigating housing instability. Others are single parents balancing school, work, and raising young children, or students facing unexpected financial hardships while working toward their educational goals. Some families are managing significant household expenses on limited incomes, caring for children with disabilities, or simply trying to make the holidays special for their children during a difficult season.

These families are working hard to build a better future, and a little support can make a meaningful difference.

🎁 How You Can Make a Difference

We invite you to choose an ornament from the Giving Tree at Waubonsee’s Sugar Grove Campus and adopt a child this holiday season. You can contribute $75–$100 toward a child's holiday needs , or team up with coworkers, friends, or family to share the gift of giving.

Every act of generosity helps remind our students and their children that they are part of a community that believes in them, supports their goals, and wants to see them thrive.

As we celebrate Waubonsee's 60th anniversary, let's honor six decades of service by continuing to invest in the people who make our college community special. Together, we can make this season brighter for 60 children and their families.

Questions? Please contact Community Engagement at community@waubonsee.edu .

Thank you for being part of the Waubonsee community and for helping make a difference — this holiday season and for the next 60 years.