ON CAMPUS AT OCC:

Orange Coast College’s Ornamental Horticulture Department will conduct its 30th annual public poinsettia plant sale Friday, Dec. 7 on campus.

Approximately 12,000 plants have been grown by OCC’s horticulture students this fall in the campus’ five greenhouses. Plants will be sold in the Horticulture Garden, located off Adams Avenue, adjacent to the college’s Technology Center.

All proceeds are slated to fund future student projects. The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A live video cam that shows plants growing in one of the college’s greenhouses can be accessed on OCC’s website.

“It’s long been a tradition at Orange Coast College for ornamental horticulture students to produce beautiful poinsettias during the holiday season as part of their studies,” said ornamental horticulture instructor, Joseph Stead. “Our students planted these poinsettias the first two weeks in September, and have been nurturing them ever since.

“Customers will purchase the poinsettias directly out of the greenhouses where the plants were grown.”

Four-, 5- and 6-inch (diameter of pots) plants will be sold, along with centerpieces, hanging baskets and 12-inch bowls. Plants range in price from $5 to $40.

For information about the sale, or to download a pre-order form, go to the Horticulture Department website at www.occhorticulture.com, or phone (714) 432-5748.

STUDENTS COLLECT GIFTS FOR NEEDY YOUNGSTERS

OCC students have mounted a campaign this holiday season to collect Christmas gifts for needy youngsters and senior citizens.

Called the Angel Tree Project, the student-conducted campaign is in its 23rd successive holiday season.

The program is sponsored by OCC’s Associated Students and College Life Program.

The project will benefit children enrolled in OCC’s Children’s Center.

It will also support Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, and the Costa Mesa Senior Center. Gifts will be collected on campus through Friday.

Unwrapped gifts may be dropped off at the Associated Students and College Life Office in the Student Center Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For information about the Angel Tree Project, phone (714) 432-5727.

JIM CARNETT directs community relations at Orange Coast College. He may be reached at jcarnett@occ .cccd.edu or at (714) 432-5725.