As the season of giving swiftly approaches, Oxnard College’s Associated Student Government knows just how you can spread some holiday cheer this year.
For those able and willing, good-hearted individuals who would like to donate to a child in need ASG will be collecting new and unwrapped toys for their “Toy Joy Drive.” Donations will be accepted at the Student Activities Office until Dec. 16.
Dennis Marletti, student activities advisor, couldn’t be more proud of the selflessness and commitment that the ASG has portrayed this semester.
“I can’t think of a more appropriate time and thing to do for children,” said Marletti. “We have a lot of student government members that have just been really involved with this cause. These people are great and I couldn’t do any of the work without them.”
The collective effort of the members of ASG has helped many children with toy drives in the past years. ASG donates some of their funds to help less fortunate families enjoy some holiday cheer with such great gifts.
The ASG have been relentless in looking for donation and suppliers for their drive. The food bank will be donating goods for the food baskets that will be given away. ASG was also able to acquire gift certificates from Fresh & Easy Grocers, Trader Joe’s and Albertsons markets.
Elizabeth Rangel, ASG vice president, hopes to have another successful toy and food drive.
“We want to give back to families who don’t have much,” said Rangel. “This drive benefits all students and every year it evolves into something bigger.”
The “Toy Joy Drive” will benefit low-income students and their families during the holiday season. Candidates will vary from E.O.P.S./C.A.R.E, CalWorks, Financial Aid and EAC. A raffle with names of the candidates will be conducted for the toy and food basket giveaways.
Rosie Infante, ASG Senator, is excited about the opportunity to help the college community.
“There are so many people losing their jobs and I personally know what it feels like to not be able to give your children the gifts that they want,” said Infante. “So we’re just trying to help out some of the families, community and students in making their kids happy.”
Many of the ASG members share the same enthusiasm in helping out their fellow peers and hope that faculty, staff and students will be able to assist in donating some toys or food to help bring some happiness to other families.
According to Robert Estrada, ASG Senator, previous toy drives were successful and they are hopeful that this year they will continue to make this drive expand.
For questions or further information on the “Toy Joy Drive” or food donations, please contact the Associated Student Government at 805-986-5800 ext. 2097.
