2025 Free Holiday Market

Clark's Student Life fights to keep this highly anticipated event, bringing holiday joy to students

By Masha Yaremenko
Students and their families browse donated items at Gaiser Hall
Pictured: Students and their families browse donated items at Gaiser Hall
 

On Dec. 4, Clark College students and their families lined up outside Gaiser Hall—all the way to the bookstore—to participate in this year’s Free Holiday Market. Inside the event hall, campus faculty and staff organized tables of donated items for students, Pacific Perks handed out free hot chocolate, and Oswald the Penguin was seen wandering with the students.

Student volunteers organize clothing on a table

Who brought this event to life?

Earlier this year—after discovering that there wasn’t going to be a holiday market this year after the previous organizers, NERD Girls, announced they were too shorthanded to take on a project of this magnitude—Student Life decided to take matters into their own hands. Knowing that this is a highly anticipated event by the Clark community each year, they utilized their own resources to organize it with the Associated Students of Clark College and the Activities Programming Board. Their efforts did not go unnoticed—more than 300 students, plus 250 of their family members, participated in this successful market. 

Pictured: Student volunteers help organize clothing at the Workforce Education Services table

How does this event work?

At the entrance to the event hall, each currently enrolled student received ten tickets they could use to “pay” or exchange for the free items. Up to one other family member of each student could receive an additional five tickets. Each table had its own system for how many tickets could be used to exchange for these items, and all the items were donated by Clark College faculty and staff. The Workforce Education Services (WES) department took initiative to organize many racks of donated clothing, which were free for students to take without using any tickets. 

Dr. Edwards and Trustee members engage with students at their market table

From jewelry and little trinkets to toys, games, and home-made crocheted blankets, there were items that anyone could treasure. Angel, a current art student at the college, found some unique items for home décor. 

“I found this glass box, and I’m going to put my bugs in here as a display!” said Angel. They spoke about some puzzles, wall décor, and other beautiful items that they will gift to their friends this year.  

Many students have shown strong appreciation for the Free Holiday Market over the last few years.  

“I truly love the Free Holiday Market. It truly goes to show much Clark College serves their students and their community,” said Daniela. She is a student at Clark and volunteered with the Penguin Pantry at this event. “As a college student myself, working multiple jobs to afford tuition, I was able to find gifts for my family that I know they’ll truly love […] without having to worry about finances.” 

The College Board of Trustees had a table of their own for this event, joined by the president of the college, Dr. Karin Edwards (pictured left). This gave students opportunities to connect with many Clark College employees in a different, more personal way.  

During the event, the Penguin Pantry was also handing out their annual Holiday Boxes—individual bags filled with fixings for students to enjoy festive meals with their families. So far, the Pantry has distributed over 278 boxes—thanks to the generous donations by Clark employees and community members. 

We give a special thank you to Student Life and the members of ASCC and APB for bringing such a special event to students and staff this holiday season. 

Students hold up their findings from the market

Tips for next year's Holiday Market

Ways to Stay Involved

Photos: Clark College/Carly Rae Zent and Masha Yaremenko

Story by Masha Yaremenko, Digital Media Student Intern, Communications & Marketing