Toys and greeting cards for children are on the holiday wish list for a Bowling Green State University student organization.
The BGSU chapter of the National Society for Leadership and Success recently announced its second annual toy drive in conjunction with the Bowling Green Fire Division.
Last year NSLS collected 100 toys for area boys and girls, which were then distributed locally by members of the fire division. This year, the goal is to collect at least 150 toys, said Kalli Gregory, president of the BGSU chapter.
“We wanted to bring it back this year because it was such a success,” she said. Last year’s community service chair Mason Lewis made all the necessary contacts that made repeating the program easier this year. Gregory asked the executive board what they thought, and they all agreed to spread holiday cheer again.
“We love making kids happy, who might not otherwise have holiday gifts. With the partnership between NSLS and the fire department, we know the gifts are going to great homes,” she said.
The toy drive, which runs through Nov. 20, fits into the group’s mission for community service., she explained.
They are asking the Bowling Green area and campus communities for donations of new toys for young children through teens. The toys can be wrapped or unwrapped. Gregory reminded people, if the gift is wrapped, be sure to include a note on the outside of what is in the package so it can be distributed to the age-appropriate child.
Collection boxes are in most residence hall lobbies for students to drop off toys. Community members can email Gregory at gregork@bgsu.edu to arrange for a drop-off time and location.
NSLS has added another community service initiative to their fall activities—making handmade cards for children who are hospitalized. The cards must be 100% homemade, and they can be holiday or fall-themed, or just a greeting card to share positive messages.
Gregory, who has her own art/card business, has been involved with CardzforKidz for several years. Because she believes in their goal to “uplift spirits one card at a time,” she suggested NSLS offer another way to brighten the lives of children.
Details for creating cards are available on the card website. “People can use their creativity to provide positive messages, such as a joke to make them smile, wishes for a great day, pictures or drawings of animals or nature, or an upbeat affirmation such as ‘I love the smile on your face,’” Gregory said. They ask that cards do not include glitter because it can cause issues in hospital settings.
She will collect cards made locally and send them all to CardzforKids for distribution to children in hospitals across the country. Finished cards can be dropped off by contacting Gregory at gregork@bgsu.edu.
“This is a great cause, helping people in our area,” Gregory said. “I hope people donate and tell their friends and colleagues. Being able to help our neighbors through the toy drive warms my heart and the other board members I work with.”
