Indianapolis, Indiana – The holiday season at Ivy Tech Indianapolis this year was brighter than ever thanks to the 2025 “Bear Gifts” program, which delivered gifts and joy to a record number of student families. This year, the program supported 106 families, more than doubling the original goal of 50 and far surpassing last year’s total of 39 families. The initiative, designed to provide gifts for Ivy Tech students’ children, has grown into a cherished tradition that addresses a critical gap in holiday support for children aged 0 to 17.
The program relies on the generosity of the campus community, including faculty, staff, students, and various departments, who volunteer as sponsors and are matched with applicant families. This year, 79 sponsors stepped up to fulfill wish lists that included a wide range of items, from skates and tablets to dollhouses, books, and video games. The overwhelming demand for support led to the application window closing after only two days, underscoring both the need among student families and the strong response from the Ivy Tech community.
“This record-breaking year shows the incredible compassion of our Ivy Tech family,” said Indianapolis IvyCares Director Mary Louise Edwards. “By more than doubling our goal, our sponsors have eased financial pressures and spread genuine holiday magic for a historic number of our student parents and their children.”
Gifts were distributed to families during the week of December 15, bringing smiles to students and their children and providing relief during a time of year that can often be financially challenging. The Bear Gifts program, administered by IvyCares, focuses on supporting student success by addressing essential needs beyond the classroom, ensuring that students’ children are not overlooked during the holidays.
The program’s success this year demonstrates the power of community engagement and the impact of coordinated support. By matching sponsors with families, IvyCares has created a model that allows the generosity of volunteers to directly meet the specific needs and wishes of student families. The program also highlights the broader mission of Ivy Tech Community College, which is to serve not only as an educational institution but also as a pillar of support for students balancing academic pursuits with family responsibilities.
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Mary Louise Edwards emphasized the role of sponsors in making the program successful. The diverse contributions—from individual gifts to department-wide support—reflect a collective effort to ensure that every child experiences the joy of the holiday season. Many of the items on the wish lists catered to older children, a group often overlooked in traditional holiday programs, ensuring that the program’s impact reaches across age groups.
The Bear Gifts program also provides an opportunity for the broader community to contribute. Those interested in supporting Ivy Tech Indianapolis’ IvyCares team can participate by donating through an Amazon wish list, making monetary donations, or providing items directly to the college’s food pantry and clothing closet. Such contributions ensure that IvyCares can continue its mission of supporting student success while addressing essential needs for families who may face financial challenges.
Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution, and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, serves thousands of students both on campus and online. The College plays a critical role in workforce development through associate degrees, certificates, industry certifications, and training programs that align with community needs. Beyond academics, Ivy Tech fosters a supportive environment where programs like Bear Gifts can thrive, reflecting the College’s commitment to students and their families.
For students, staff, and the community, the 2025 Bear Gifts program was more than just a holiday initiative—it was a demonstration of care, generosity, and the collective spirit of the Ivy Tech family. Through thoughtful planning, the engagement of 79 dedicated sponsors, and the enthusiastic participation of the campus community, the program provided tangible support and memorable experiences for 106 student families. In doing so, Ivy Tech Indianapolis continues to strengthen its role as an institution that values both education and community well-being.
To learn more or get involved, individuals can reach out to IvyCares at [email protected] or visit the North Meridian Center, room 414. Contributions, whether large or small, help ensure that the College can continue providing meaningful support to students and their families, making each holiday season brighter and more joyful.
