The University community is a generous one. Here are some of the avenues for making this a better holiday season for those on campus, in our community and across the globe.
Toys for Tots
The University Libraries Support Staff Association has begun its annual Toys for Tots drive to collect toys as Christmas gifts for less fortunate children in the community. This is the 15th year LSSA has supported the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve program to collect new, unwrapped gifts for local children ages 0-13.
This year, Phi Kappa Psi fraternity is partnering with LSSA serving as an additional collection site.
Collections boxes can be found at all University Libraries locations: Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library, Angelo Bruno Business Library, Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering, and Hoole Special Collections Library.
Monetary donations also can be made on the Toys for Tots website. Select Alabama–Tuscaloosa as the local campaign. Toys can be dropped off until Dec. 6 at the library locations and the Phi Kappa Psi house, 312 University Blvd.
Brewer-Porch Children’s Center Holiday Fund
The Professional Staff Assembly continues to accept donations for the residents of Brewer-Porch. During the Christmas season, BPCC will have approximately 60 children and adolescents (ages 6–16) in its residential programs. Make a gift online; select “Brewer Porch PSA Project” and note your gift is for Brewer-Porch. Holiday donations will be accepted through December. This year’s goal is $5,000.
Alabama Reach Gift Cards
The Faculty Senate and the Office, Clerical and Technical Staff Assembly are asking their members to contribute gift cards for Alabama Reach, which provides support to UA students who are current and former foster youth, homeless, orphans, emancipated minors or wards of the state.
Donations can be made online; type “Alabama REACH Support Fund” in the search fund field. Gift cards can also be delivered to the Alabama REACH offices in 303 Lloyd Hall. OCTSA requests donations by Dec. 12.
Bead for Life Marketplace Gift Shopping
Visit the Women and Gender Resource Center during the week of Dec. 4-8 to purchase items from the Bead for Life Marketplace. Items for sale include bracelets, necklaces, tote bags and shea bath products. All products are made by Ugandan women and all proceeds benefit educational and vocational programs for those women.
A wide range of items are priced between $4 to $15. For more information, contact Paige Miller at cpmiller1@ua.edu or 348-5040.