For the 25th year, the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s students and employees will come together to make the holidays brighter for area children in need by donating new, unwrapped toys. UAB Information Technology has organized the Toys for Tots drive for more than 10 years.
“Our campus gives one of the largest contributions to Toys for Tots in the Birmingham/Jefferson County area,” said Kerry Bean, UAB Information Technology communications director. “UAB IT is proud to help coordinate this effort every year.”
Participants will bring new, unwrapped toys to any of the Toys for Tots boxes across campus. Boxes will be placed at the Administration Building, academic buildings and Hill Student Center, among other locations.
“We’ve seen growth each year, and we’re excited to see what this year will bring,” Bean said. “Last year, we collected approximately 1,500 toys, which ranged from larger items such as bicycles to coloring books, games, Barbies, stuffed animals, etc.”
In partnership with UAB Libraries’ annual Toys for Fines drive, students who participate can receive up to $20 in overdue fines waived. The annual Toys for Fines drive has been a UAB Libraries tradition for almost 15 years.
“The Toys for Fines drive enables us to give back to the community and to our patrons,” said Michael S. Fitts, UAB Libraries assistant dean for User Access and Diversity. “Every year, we are more impressed with Blazers’ commitment to serving their community, and we know this year will be no exception.”
Donations can be dropped off near the HUB desks on the first floors of both Lister Hill and Mervyn H. Sterne libraries.
On Thursday, Dec. 6, at 8:30 a.m., all toys will be moved to the Administration Building lobby to be combined with the UAB Information Technology’s Toys for Tots collection. Santa Claus will be present to supervise until the United States Marine Corps collects the toys at 3 p.m.