The UAB Student Affairs’ Little Blazer Wishes program once again helped parenting students provide holiday gifts for their children, offering relief during the combined pressures of finals and the holiday season. The long-running initiative provided gifts for 300 children from 158 student families in  2025, marking one of its most impactful years to date.

Little Blazer Wishes, coordinated by the Office of Off-Campus Student and Family Engagement, connects parenting students with campus and community sponsors who anonymously fulfill individualized wish lists. Items often include clothing, toys, books, and household necessities. Since its launch in 2018, the program has served more than 500 families and nearly 1,000 children, with participation increasing steadily each year.

“While every applicant was supported in 2025, the growing number of student parents seeking assistance demonstrates an increasing need,” said Meredith Kahl, director of  Off-Campus Student & Family Engagement.  

The program relies on the generosity of UAB students, staff, alumni and campus partners, who sponsor families or donate to the Little Blazer Wishes Fund. Monetary contributions are used to support any unsponsored families and to purchaseadditional items, such as grocery gift cards, for all participating student parents.

“This semester has been very trying for me, from going to school, working and being a mother. Little Blazer Wishes ensured that I had something under my children’s tree, and I’ll forever be grateful,” said Aucasia Berry, a junior Digital Marketing major. “Programs like this give students reassurance and reminds them that UAB is here to help in any way they can, in every season of a student's life.”

“Your gifts ensure every student who applies can receive the support they need,” Kahl said. “As the program continues to grow, so does the impact we can make when our community comes together to support Blazer families.”

Now in its eighth year,  Little Blazer Wishes continues to serve as an important resource for UAB parenting students who face financial strain during the holidays.