USUSA toy drive gives back to Aggie families

Aggies looking to spread some holiday cheer can do so right here in Logan through a toy drive organized by USUSA. New or lightly used toys will be accepted in TSC 327 through Dec. 1. Clothes aren’t accepted, but books, puzzles and games are.

Sarah Pope, graduate studies senator, said the toy drive started because they noticed a lack of facilities in statewide schools that were provided on Logan campus. 

“Logan campus has a family study room with toys and things like that,” Pope said. “It started out with an idea of, ‘Let’s try and make some family study areas in libraries across campus.’” 

Pope said this idea came from thinking about all of the different people who go to each campus. 

“Places like Salt Lake — that center has a lot of non-traditional students who have families and have jobs,” Pope said. “I thought maybe we should find a way to fund some of these, like family study rooms.” 

However, after talking with statewide representatives and administration, Pope said they decided to do a toy drive instead of developing these study areas. 

“Some of the statewide campuses don’t own those buildings,” Pope said. “Sometimes they don’t have a whole bunch of people that visit or, you know, they just don’t have the space.” 

Aly Cinq-Mars, executive vice president, said USUSA still wanted to provide toys for children while their parents were studying, so they spoke with statewide campuses to find the right solution. 

“Everyone collaborated on an idea of each of the campuses donating their collection of toys,” Cinq-Mars said. “They will each go to a family in need who attends USU.” 

Pope said this collaboration with statewide campuses further solidified the bond between the USU communities. 

“Not only including them in the service project, but allowing them to shape and formulate what their own toy drive looks like is really important,” Pope said. “It’s creating a sense of, ‘We are in this together.’” 

Cinq-Mars said the toy drive was not only a way for the statewide schools to come together, but also the larger communities they were a part of. 

“It’s getting Aggies across the state to get involved and help each other out,” Cinq-Mars said. “But also people in the community who want to give back as well.” 

Pope said she had a personal connection to the toy drive initiative, which made her even more excited about the work she’s doing. 

“I have a kid,” Pope said. “I know what it’s like to get ready for Christmas and wonder how you’re going to give your kid the things that they want.” 

According to Pope, there will be a form available within the next month in which families can be nominated to receive the toys. Students can nominate themselves or others. 

“I think it kind of creates this almost circular service type of thing,” Pope said. “We’re redistributing those toys to different Aggie families.” 

Cinq-Mars said the holiday season was the perfect time to have the toy drive. 

“I love service and giving back,” Cinq-Mars said. “Anything I can do to help someone during the holidays is great.” 

Pope said she hopes USU students will get involved in this service opportunity. 

“Either donating lightly used or new toys or nominating someone that you know will really help,” Pope said. “I think it provides that sense of community, particularly within the holiday times.” 

For more about the toy drive and how to donate, visit TSC 327 or email Cinq-Mars at executivevp.ususa@usu.edu.  

“What better way to help out in the Aggie community?” Cinq-Mars said.