During the Christmas season, it is easy to get wrapped up in buying gifts, decorating trees and preparing for Christmas dinner. However, it is important to keep the people that do not have the means to provide for their families with these things in mind. 

The Nu Delta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is hosting the 10th annual Toys from the Heart Toy Drive from November 2 to December 2. Southeastern students, faculty and staff, as well as, the Hammond community are invited to donate to this year’s event. 

Senior criminal justice major and chairperson of the toy drive Chelsea Jacques believes it is important to give back to others during the holidays.

“I believe it is important to focus on the less fortunate during the Christmas season,” said Jacques. “It is truly a blessing to be a blessing. Christmas is more than receiving gifts and decorating the tree, but more so experiencing what it means to sacrifice and letting God’s purpose prevail through the spirit of giving.” 

Monetary and toy donations may be delivered to the toy drive table located in the west side of the Student Union from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on November 16 to 19, 23 to 24, 30 and December 1 to 2. Donation boxes will be set up to deposit new and unwrapped toys. Donation boxes can also be found inside the Pennington Student Activity Center, the Student Government Association office and the Student Union room 2307.

Jacques explained that toys are being evaluated for many different aspects this year. 

“We are collecting new and unwrapped toys,” said Jacques. “The thorough sorting, checking and distribution process requires that we are able to clearly see the toys and evaluate them for gender and age appropriateness. No toy weapons of any kind, gift cards or food. Not even candy canes, will be accepted.” 

Delta Sigma Theta is partnered with various organizations for this event, including Eta Lambda Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Pi Iota Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Kappa Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Omicron Nu Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Project P.U.L.L., Black Student Union, M.A.D.E. Men, SGA and the African American Alumni Association. 

Jacques explained that this year Delta Sigma Theta is partnered with certain organizations for the first time.

“The only difference about this year’s toy drive compared to previous years is that we have other campus organizations on board aside from the Greek organizations,” said Jacques. 

The toys collected from the toy drive will be donated to the children at Southeastern Head Start, Central Tangi Head Start and Robert Early Head Start. The goal is to collect enough toys to provide Christmas presents for 400 children this year. 

Jacques believes people should donate to the toy drive to make the world, or a child’s world, a better place.

“Students should donate toys because, simply put, putting a smile on a child’s face can change the world; maybe not the whole world, but at least their world,” said Jacques.