As the holiday season begins, it would be normal to see festivities, family gatherings, and charitable events starting to begin; however, due to the 2020 circumstances, many of these experiences have sadly been canceled, creating a sense of wonder on how the holidays will look this year. Luckily, there are still ways for people to practice in the spirit of giving, such as donating items, like physical items or monetary amounts to organizations.
At Elizabethtown College, the environment is based on individuals striving to serve their community; once a student graduates from this school, it is instilled in them to make a positive impact in others’ lives. Many of the clubs or sporting teams at this College partake in dedicating their time or services to help support a charitable cause. During this winter season, the College’s men’s basketball team is engaging in exciting and beneficial charitable work, benefitting impoverished children. The team is hosting a Toys for Tots donation drive at Etown in which all students and faculty can participate.
The United States Marine Corp produced this non – profit organization; through their leadership, there are numerous toy collection sites across the United States, allowing all to participate in this wonderful deed. Toys for Tots is a program that aims to collect and donate toys for economically disadvantaged children. They play an active role in uniting members of local communities for three months during an annual toy collection and distribution. Overall, this amazing organization is dedicated to providing happiness and joy to all children during the holidays.
Britt Moore, the head men’s basketball coach at Etown, generated the idea of hosting the drive. He realizes that 2020 has been stressful for all; because of this, Moore decided that he and his team needed to make a difference. As he researched the Toys for Tots COVID limitations, Moore was thrilled to hear that the organization was continuing their efforts at this time. He found that there was a contact in Lancaster to set up a drive. Through the encouragement and leadership of Moore, he motivated his team to join in this necessary effort, aiding in creating a celebratory holiday for all children.
Through this experience, the players have been able to partake in the spirit of giving during this holiday season. The players have seen the positive impacts that their efforts have created, and they felt thankful for all that they have been blessed with in their lives.
“Our students are very fortunate to be away at a great college. Sometimes, they get wrapped – up in college life and things like Toys for Tots makes them realize how giving back can make someone else’s day,” said Moore.
The men’s basketball team is encouraging the students and faculty to participate in this charitable cause at Etown. If any individual on campus wants to donate, they should contact Brit Moore. He will collect the toy(s) and put them in the collection box. If someone wants to bring the donation in person, the collection box is in the waiting area of the athletic offices near the Thompson Gym. So far, the team has collected a handful of toys to send to low–income children; they aim to have anywhere between 20 to 40 toys donated in their collection drive. The donations will be transported to the collection site in Lancaster.
The College’s men’s basketball team encourages anyone to donate to this beneficial organization. Toys for Tots is striving to provide happiness for all children during this festive time; help them reach their goal by donating or supporting their cause.
