Toy Drive!

Today is the feast day of St. Nicholas, so let’s talk about toys! Whether it’s for human or nonhuman kids, organizing a toy drive, or just donating some toys on your own, is a wonderful way to bring the joy of the season to those less fortunate than ourselves. At school, the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund once again has been collecting toys from law students to will go to  Hope Animal Shelter, Tucson’s only no-kill shelter. Last year’s drive was a huge success, and this year we have another box filled to the brim to deliver. Yay!

A couple people have asked me why toys rather than food and necessities. First, I want to say that we also contribute to food and clothes drives happening this time of year. But shopping for toys to donate is such a fun activity — I love making the trip to the store!  And, from an organizer’s perspective, it’s very easy to get others to participate in something so fun and inexpensive. It’s also nice for the animals or children on the receiving end: the holiday season is something special for everyone and, while core provisions are always appreciated, a toy brightens a little one’s day in a different way.

I encourage everyone to look into local shelters or children’s services to find out some options for giving. Perhaps you can put a donation box out at your school or workplace and watch the act of kindness multiply. In the spirit of St. Nicholas, with minimal expense and effort, we can bring holiday joy to so many!

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