Students sponsor 'Toys from the Heart' holiday drive for Hammond area children
Contact: Christina Chapple
11/20/07
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University students are coordinating a spirit of giving on campus and in the community to benefit Hammond area children this holiday season.
Southeastern’s chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, and Delta Sigma Theta and Zeta Phi Beta sororities have teamed up with the offices of Recreational Sports and Wellness and Multicultural and International Student Affairs to sponsor a holiday toy drive, “Toys from the Heart.” Toys and monetary donations will be collected Nov. 26-30.
“We want to give toys to underprivileged children in the Hammond community,” said Joshua Ikegulu of Kappa Alpha Psi, which is coordinating the project. Ikegulu said students hope to make the holidays special by distributing toys to at least 200 Hammond area children.
“The students are asking that all departments, faculty, staff and students make a donation during the drive,” he said. Contributors may donate new toys or make a monetary donation of any amount for the purchase of new toys. Ikegulu said contributions from area residents are also welcome.
Families may register for the drive by calling the Office of Multicultural and International Student Affairs, (985) 549-3850, by Dec. 7 and providing children’s names and ages. Toys will be distributed on Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pennington Student Activity Center.
Ikegulu said toy and monetary donations may be brought to the Student Union mall from 11 a.m. -2 p.m., Nov. 26-30. Toy collection boxes will also be located at the Office of Multicultural and International Student Affairs, Student Union room 112, and at the Pennington Student Activity Center.
On Thursday, Nov. 29, Recreational Sports and Wellness will join in the drive by hosting “A Very Merry Thursday” for Southeastern faculty, staff and students, who are invited to the Pennington Student Activity Center from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. to enjoy cookie decorating, hot chocolate, hors d’ouevres, and pictures with “Santa and Mrs. Claus.”
Members of the Southeastern family attending “A Very Merry Thursday” are asked to bring one new toy or make a $5 donation to the “Toys from the Heart” project.
“It is so great to have the different departments on campus excited about our community service efforts and so willing to help us collect toys for the children,” said Ikegulu.
For additional information about “Toys from the Heart,” contact the Office of Multicultural and International Student Affairs at (985) 549-3850.
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