Aspiring students of USC's School of Social Work join forces to brighten holidays for Serra Project residents.

Los Angeles, CA, December 31, 2004—The dynamic Social Action Caucus (SAC) of the USC School of Social Work recently mounted a major effort on behalf of the children and families served by The Serra Project. With help from USCÕs Field Education Department, "Holiday Hope 2004," the brainchild of first-year masters' candidate and Serra Project intern La Shonda Blunt, brought the holidays home in a truly meaningful way.

The goal was simple: Provide gifts to Serra Project clients and enhance the emotional care of our youngest residents at what can often be a difficult time of year. The effort centered around a festive wish tree erected in the lobby of USC's Montgomery Ross Fisher building in the School of Social Work. Ideas for gifts literally sprang from the branches of the tree, which was decked out with age-appropriate suggestions tied to the first names and ages of Serra Project kids. Gift givers could either buy a gift and donate it, unwrapped, or donate cash for gifts. As a prelude to the tree, a bake sale was held to offset the purchase of any gifts that weren't brought to the school.

The response was immediate, with some participants sponsoring more than one child and others multiplying their generosity by giving across the board.

"This was a true display of generosity and compassion," says La Shonda, adding that, as a living invitation to help improve the life of a child affected by HIV/AIDS and homelessness, the tree also raised awareness about the disease among students, faculty and staff.