By Andrew Skerritt
The Florida A&M University (FAMU) President’s Holiday Toy Drive is gearing up to bring a very Merry Christmas to youngsters in the Big Bend area.
Administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community supporters are being asked to donate bicycles, toys, and other gifts to brighten the season for the region’s less fortunate children. All deans/vice presidents and directors are asked to donate bikes and helmets. The 2022 Toy Drive surpassed 1,000 gifts.
Donations of unwrapped gifts for children of all ages can be dropped off at the President’s House, 1810 South Adams St. from 10:30 a.m. to noon daily through Friday, Dec. 8.
The highlight of the annual event will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, December 8 at the President’s House. At that time, donors will drive-by to drop off their donations. President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., his wife, Sharon Robinson, members of the Senior Leadership Team and other staff will be on hand to greet each donor. The participation of staff and student volunteers helps make it a festive holiday event.
“The toys collected over the years have brought joy to countless kids and families. Several community organizations have also depended upon our toy drive to support their efforts. The toy drive is not just a FAMU event, it is a community event,” said Robinson, who spoke about his personal connection to the outreach effort. “I get extremely excited about the toy drive every year. In many ways I can personally relate to the kids and families who are the beneficiaries. But most impressive to me is the generosity of FAMU faculty, students, staff, alumni, and friends who donate and work to make the toy drive successful.”