The season of giving is among us, and for many people it may be difficult to give presents to their children. Many organizations and businesses are making it easier for Texas Tech students to help out.
Toys for Tots Coordinator Sgt. Amy Siegfried said the program has been assisting families for more than 60 years. This past year alone, she said, Toys for Tots helped about 6,500 children in the Lubbock area.
“I think back to when I was a child,” she said. “I think about how important Christmas was, and running down stairs and seeing all the toys. I would want that for any child.”
Stationed here on assignment since March 2012, she said one thing that has touched her the most is the generosity of the community.
One particular moment last year, she said, stands out in her memory.
Sgt. Siegfried smiled as she remembered a grandmother who had just gained custody of her grandchildren before they lost their possessions in a fire. She said the grandmother became emotional when she received brand-new bikes for her grandchildren.
That one hug she received, she said, helped her place a face to the need of families during this time of year.
With popular drop-off locations such as the South Plains Mall, Wild West Harley Davidson, and United Supermarkets, she said, they have been successful in receiving thousands of toys.
“Tech is huge. The students have been really giving,” said Siegfried.
She said they have had tremendous support from the Texas Tech Athletic Department as they have played a vital part in the program.
Associate Athletic Director Amy Heard said through their sporting events and staff parties, they have been able to make great progress with donations.
“Our fans are always really generous,” Heard said, “so we were excited about the response and knew they would make big impact for Toys for Tots. We knew they would give.”
While talking about toy donations, Heard said it is not just about the toys, but also the memories that come with them.
“Even though you don’t always see it,” she said, “you know how it impacts them because you played with a football, or a soccer ball, and you know how fun it can be.”
Besides donating at sporting events, another way for students to make an impact is through the Toys for Tickets program sponsored by the Transportation and Parking Services office.
Marketing Coordinator Stacy Moncibaiz said the program benefitting Toys for Tots began in November 2007 and they have always had a good response.
The way this program works, she said, allows people to bring in a new, unwrapped toy worth the value of their unpaid citation in exchange for its dismissal.
She said stipulations include one citation per person, and a receipt must be presented for price verification, but this does cover citations from $10 up to $300.
So far, she said they have received about a dozen toys, but there is still time. The program ends on Dec. 13.
Toys may be dropped off at the office located at 407 Flint Avenue.
“We always hope to see as many toys as possible,” Moncibaiz said about students taking advantage of this program in order to help the community.
Sgt. Siegfried said one thing she wants students to know, is this is a great and easy way to earn volunteer hours, as they need help with distribution and sorting toys.
For those interested in volunteering, she said sorting begins at 9 a.m. on Dec. 9. Distribution she said, begins on Dec. 16 through Dec. 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch is provided, Siegfried said, for volunteers who stay all day.
For more information regarding the Toys for Tickets program, Moncibaiz said her office can be contacted at 742-PARK or through the Transportation and Parking Services’ Facebook page.
“Sometimes people just need that extra push to donate a toy,” Siegfried said about the incentives offered by businesses and organizations for toy donations.
About Lucinda Holt
