VCU holiday guide: Celebrate, give back and get inspired
These upcoming holiday events, giving opportunities and gift ideas highlight the undeniable talents across both VCU campuses.
Illustration by Arda Athman
Campus events and happenings
18th annual employee craft sale
Thursday, Dec. 4, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
VCU Medical Center, main hospital, first floor hallway
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone on your list, your purchases will support your fellow team members and their families. Vendors will be selling everything from jewelry, pottery and scrub caps to baked good, ornaments and home décor.
VCU Music’s 38th annual holiday gala
Friday, Dec. 5, 7 – 9 p.m.
W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts
Held in the Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall, this program will feature VCU’s Jazz Orchestra I, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Commonwealth Singers, the Guitar Ensembles and other VCU musical groups. Proceeds will benefit the Doorways, which provides lodging and support for patients and their families receiving medical care in Richmond.
Second annual Chanukah drop
Monday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m.
VCU Commons Plaza
Students, faculty, staff and the community are invited to celebrate the festival of lights with live performances by Jewish rapper Ari Lesser, fresh donuts, hot cocoa, raffles and take-home menorahs.
Donation drives and service opportunities
Bites of Comfort
Friday, Dec. 5, 3:30 p.m.
Shafer Court Dining Center, Rodney’s Room
In honor of International Volunteer Day, this VCU Alumni event will provide packaged snack kits for families with children at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. All kit assembly spots have been filled, but donations of nonperishable food items are still needed.
Toy drive for CHoR
Deadline: Wednesday, Dec. 17
OME lobby, MMEC suite 4-200
In partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, the Office of Medical Education is hosting a toy drive for the holiday season. Note that CHoR cannot accept the following: Used items, religious or political items, violent toys (e.g., Nerf guns), dollar store items, holiday-themed items or homemade items.
Donate flowers to the Simple Sunflower
Ongoing
Hosting a holiday gathering with elaborate floral arrangements? Consider gathering up those flowers after the party and donating them to the Simple Sunflower, an organization founded by School of Medicine alum Eleanor Love, M.D., that regifts fresh flowers from local weddings and events to patients in the hospital.
Donate food and toiletries to Little Ram Pantries
Ongoing
According to a 2023 study from the VCU School of Social Work, about 35% of VCU students reported experiencing some form of food insecurity. With 10 locations across the MCV Campus, including two inside MMEC, Little Ram Pantries are stocked with toiletries and non-perishable food items for students to take as needed. Other giving opportunities include volunteering with Ram Pantry, ordering items from Ram Pantry’s Amazon wish list or donating financially.
Gift ideas
‘Do Not Follow,’ by Surbhi Bansal, M.D.
Surbhi Bansal, M.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, recently published a novel that she wrote in the wee hours of the morning over the course of a year. The book delves into grief, complex family dynamics, medical burnout and the immigrant experience.
Photography by Ann Fulcher, M.D.
Ann Fulcher, M.D., chair of the Department of Radiology, began capturing the world around her through the lens of her camera in 2011. Her photography ranges from wildlife and landscapes to people and architecture, and prints are available through Crossroads Art Center.
Anatomical art prints
First-year medical student Mohini Johri and her sister run a small Etsy shop featuring prints of anatomical paintings. Prints include depictions of lungs and hearts surrounded by floral and botanical elements.
Tickets to see Mystére by Cirque du Soleil
How about Las Vegas for a long weekend? Through the fall of 2026, medical student Tucker Smith will be performing with Mystére by Cirque du Soleil, one of the world’s most acclaimed aerial trapeze shows.