The holiday season is a time for giving, and IvyCares is inviting Ivy Tech faculty, staff, and campus organizations to help make the holidays brighter for our students and their children through Bear Gifts: A Holiday Program for Ivy Tech Families.
Bear Gifts provides new toys, clothing, and special gifts to children of Ivy Tech students who may need extra support during the holiday season. This program helps remind our student families that they are part of a caring and supportive Ivy Tech community.
How You Can Help
Faculty, staff, departments, and campus organizations can sponsor a student family by completing the Bear Gifts Sponsor Pledge Form by October 12. We will accept submissions beginning September 10.
Sponsors may participate:
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Individually
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With family or friends
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As a department, team, or campus organization
Sponsors typically spend $40-75 per child on new clothing, toys, or items connected to the child’s interests and hobbies.
After the pledge deadline, sponsors will be matched with a student family based on preferences provided on the pledge form. Sponsor information will be shared between October 26–November 2, 2026, including the child’s age, gender, clothing and shoe sizes, gift ideas, interests, and other helpful details.
Gift Drop-Off Deadline: December 8
Drop-Off Location: IFC 166 - IvyCares Office
Help Us Reach More Families This Year
Last year, Ivy Tech came together to support 107 student families through Bear Gifts. This year, our goal is to support 115 families, and we need our Ivy Tech community to help make that happen.
Your generosity can help create a memorable holiday experience for a student and their children while showing them that their Ivy Tech family cares.
Ready to sponsor a family? Complete the Bear Gifts Sponsor Pledge Form today!
Thank you for helping us spread kindness, support, and holiday cheer across Ivy Tech Indianapolis.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public post-secondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. Ivy Tech serves more than 200,000 students annually and offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training in more than 70 programs across Indiana. The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is committed to providing affordable, high-quality education aligned with the needs of Indiana’s workforce.
