Student-veterans group hopes to bring holiday cheer to children, families

New, unwrapped toys of all kinds needed for Toys for Tots collection at Penn State York
Toys for Tots 2019 at York

Members of the Student Veterans of America (SVA), York Chapter, put together Toys for Tots boxes to gather as many toys as possible for needy children and their families.  Collections bins are spread throughout the campus and donations can be made until noon on Thursday, Dec. 19.  Cameron Flemmens, president of the SVA at Penn State York; Walter Packowski, and Robert Reynolds, left to right, all student-veterans, are hoping for a successful toy drive.

Credit: Barbara Dennis

Penn State York’s Student Veterans of America (SVA), York Chapter, is once again sponsoring a Toys for Tots drive on campus. SVA has joined with the Marine Corps Reserve for this important project. New, unopened, and unwrapped toys will be collected through noon on Dec. 19.  

The toys, for children ages newborn through 12-years-old, will be distributed to less fortunate children in the community through the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in York, Pennsylvania.  Community members are welcome to bring donations to the campus.

“Toys for Tots is a fantastic way to give to those who may have fallen on hard times this holiday season,” said Cameron Flemmens, a Penn State York student-veteran and president of the SVA.  “It's a great way to spread some holiday cheer to those who may have gone without this year."

Collection boxes are located throughout the campus and donors are encouraged to donate whatever they can. In addition to toys for younger children, donations are also accepted for preteens and teenagers. In the past, items purchased for these groups have included, but are not limited to: sporting equipment/bags/balls, books, backpacks, cosmetics, purses, watch/wallet gift sets, bath gift sets, board games, radio control cars/trucks, hand-held electronics, skateboards/helmets, curling irons, hair straighteners, and hair dryers.

Hundreds of toys have been collected during previous toy drives on campus to help make the holiday season a little brighter for many children and adults. A variety of toys were gathered, from board games and footballs to stuffed animals and dolls.

SVA is a national organization sharing best practices, success stories, and supporting one another to further strengthen the student-veteran community. Since SVA’s founding in 2008, more than 1 million veterans have returned home to pursue a postsecondary degree. SVA focuses on veteran welfare to ensure student veterans are supported in their transition to education and employment. Through advocacy, partnerships and alumni support, SVA strives to help all student veterans succeed and contribute to civilian society.

For more information about the York Chapter of the SVA, contact the club president at [email protected].
 

Contact