Beaufort County Community College always strives to remember the “community” in its name. During this time of year, the college offers a number of ways for community members to make the holidays a little brighter and healthier for families throughout its service area.

Student organizations are collecting donations for Toys for Tots, and the college is hosting an Angel Tree. In addition to toys, the public is invited to give blood when the Beaufort County Association of Nursing Students hosts the American Red Cross on Monday.

The BCCC Student Government Association is collecting new, unwrapped toys for children up to 8 years old through Dec. 8. Donations to Toys for Tots can be dropped off in Building 9, Room 923. Building 9 is also hosting an Angel Tree. Participants can take an “angel,” a list of suggested gifts for a specific child, and return the gifts to Building 9 no later than Dec. 12.

Community members can also roll up their sleeves, literally, and donate blood. The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive Monday from noon to 6 p.m. in Building 12. Donors should schedule an appointment ahead of time by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or visiting redcrossblood.org. The BCANS is sponsoring the blood drive. They will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army this Wednesday through Friday at Walmart from 2-8 p.m.

Nursing students are also collecting donations for the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center, the Coastal Pregnancy Center and Ruth’s House within their classes.

These are just a few of the ways that students and employees at BCCC give back. In November, medical laboratory technology students participated in an annual health fair sponsored by Agape Community Health Center. The students performed more than 75 glucose screenings. In October, BCANS members and phlebotomy students helped Sesame Technologies host a health fair for its employees. Students provided information on healthy living and exercise, stress management and diabetes management. Employees also had their blood pressure checked by students.

BCCC offers a monthly healthy eating and active living program called Beau-Fitt that is open to the public. On Dec. 12, the program will feature healthy holiday appetizers by Carry Out by Chrislyn and 12 Days of Cardio from Athletic Edge.

The college hopes that its students, its employees and the public take these opportunities to make Beaufort County a happier and healthier community during this season of giving.