The Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity at Stephen F. Austin State University is holding its first toy drive this December. Toys can be donated through Dec. 16 at 711 N. Mound St. All toys will be donated to Toys for Tots.
“We understand it’s been a rough year for a lot of families, and we thought this would be a great way to help the community,” Isaac Guinn, a junior finance major from Houston, said. “When our community comes together, amazing things happen. We strive to be noble men, and we want to make sure no family goes empty-handed this semester.”
Anyone in the Nacogdoches community can participate by donating money or toys. The fraternity has already raised over $1,000 in donations and is seeking more help from the community.
The fraternity normally holds a haunted house to raise money for charity but could not due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Member Camden Lowry, a sophomore business management major from Flower Mound, pitched a toy drive.
“To me, Toys for Tots is such a great organization because it gives kids who don’t have as much the chance to have a Christmas like every child deserves,” Lowry said. “I really have enjoyed running this. Every time I see new toys I get a massive smile on my face. To me, there is nothing more rewarding in life than giving back.”
Nax Smoke Shop owner Alex Siv has been promoting the toy drive on social media and encouraging people to give.
“When you receive something, how does it make you feel?” Siv said. “Happy, right? Maybe it’s something you’ve always wanted or trying to save up for. Now, how does it feel to give, seeing a smile on a kid’s face, knowing you made their Christmas? People and parents are struggling left and right during this pandemic to even think about Christmas gifts. This would be the most important time to start giving to lift everyone’s spirit for the holidays, especially a child’s. To me, it makes me happier to give than to get.”
For more information on how to donate, visit the SFA Sigma Tau Gamma Facebook page.
