Southern Adventist University’s Student Blessing Tree returned this season, continuing a campus initiative that connects students with practical support. Started in 2023 by Kim Mendoza, an administrative assistant and hiring process coordinator, the tree allows students to write needs on a card and place it in a burlap pouch on the tree. University employees then select requests and respond as they are able.

Mendoza shares, “The Blessing Tree provides a unique way for students to experience the love of Jesus.”

According to organizers, participation has increased each year. About 50 individuals received gifts during the first year of the initiative, the number rose to 75 the following year, and organizers reported that the total has now exceeded 100 students.

“I love being part of something that directly impacts students,” Mendoza says. “For example, being the ‘elf’ for employees and donors who wish to remain anonymous is such a rewarding experience.”

Mendoza recalls a time last year when she got to act as ‘elf’ for a participant who requested warm clothes and shoes for the winter.

“The employee wanted to remain anonymous but deliver the gift in a way that would create an experience.” Mendoza took the student shopping in the employee’s stead. She says, “It was such a blessing to be able to get to know her and help her carefully pick out items she liked.”

The Student Blessing Tree has enabled miraculous experiences. In 2023, one individual asked for tuition assistance, and the staff member who drew her name found a donor who paid off the full school bill, enabling her to finish her senior year.

Mendoza explains, “The student shared that she had completely surrendered her future at Southern to God, and He came through for her in a way she never expected.”

Star Stevens, School of Religion resource secretary, has donated to a student’s bill previously.

“I liked the idea of doing something specific to help a student who needed it,” she says. “It was a wonderful feeling to know that someone’s entire life might be impacted by my gift.”

The recipient was so overwhelmed by the gift that she took steps to directly thank Stevens.

Mendoza says, “The Blessing Tree is just one way that employees at Southern act as the hands and feet of Jesus.”

The original article was published on the Southern Adventist University news site.