Tech’s Residence Hall Association is hosting Tech for Tots, a Toys for Tots campaign, Nov. 11 through Dec. 3.
Lauren Johnson, assistant coordinator of Pinkerton Quad, said the Residential Life service committee is planning and coordinating the event.
“We wanted something for the Christmas season,” Johnson said. “We decided to do Toys for Tots, but we are doing a change drive instead of a toy drop.”
Johnson said the campaign will involve all residence halls but is open to students across campus.
“There will be donation tins in each of the RAs’ offices for students to drop loose change in,” said Johnson. “There will also be booths in the UC lobby where students can donate.”
Resident assistant offices are open from 7 p.m. to midnight. The donation box is available in the RUC during class hours.
Johnson said the service committee chose to do a change drop rather than a toy donation to both encourage participation and help Toys for Tots complete wishlists.
“When I spoke with the area Toys for Tots coordinator, Freddy Duncan, he said there are two age groups that seem to get covered the least,” Johnson said. “By donating change, he can take that money and buy the toys and things they are missing to fill the wish lists.”
Duncan has been the Putnam County Toys for Tots coordinator for four years. He said Tech organizations have participated every year but this is the first change drop to be organized.
“Babies and teenage girls are the two age groups that we have trouble filling the wish lists for,” Duncan said. “A change drop helps us cover those areas.”
Johnson said the RHA has set a goal for the campaign.
“We want to raise $1000,” Johnson said. “We have over 2,000 students living in residence halls. Our goal is 50 cents per student.”
“That much money could go a long way,” said Duncan.
Duncan said he encourages students to become involved and volunteer outside of Tech for Tots.
“We will be hosting several donation days at Wal-Mart and we need students to help us raise awareness and gather toys,” Duncan said. “If students want to help us, that would be icing on the cake. We have plenty of need for volunteers.”
Those interested in volunteering with Toys for Tots this holiday season can contact Freddy Duncan by phone at 931-526-9500 or by email at duncanfreddy@gmail.com.
