Math clubs host toy drive

The Alpha Gamma Alpha (AGA) and the Council for Teachers of Mathematics (CTM) Math Clubs are hosting their annual toy drive, which runs through Dec. 10.

All donations will benefit the Commerce Lil' Angels through A&M-Commerce's Wesleyan Campus Ministries.

President for the A&M-Commerce CTM Chapter Beth Smith said any new, unwrapped toys would be appreciated.

The donation collection box is located in Room 307 of the Math Department office in Binnion Hall.

Smith said practical considerations have discouraged members from setting up more than one donation box on campus.

"We had considered doing more than one this year," she said. "But since a lot of the members are commuting students, it was going to be really difficult for us to check other locations and to secure the boxes. I don't want to think that things could be taken out of them, but it is a possibility."

According to Smith, the drive relies mostly on math club members to spread word about the drive.

"If they (club member) know somebody that's in the Math Department or somebody that goes to Binnion for class, they can let them know about the drive," she said. "People can purchase the toys and either drop them off themselves in the collection box or they can have somebody they know come and drop them off."

AGA and CMT Faculty Adviser Lymeda Singleton said she hopes to match last year's donation quota.

"Last year, we filled up our washing machine box three times," she said. "Right now, we're about half way full on the first time. I'd love to see it filled three times again."

Singleton also said that monetary donations can be made in lieu of toys.

"If people prefer, they can give cash and we will do the shopping," she said.

Smith said participation in charitable endeavors such as the toy drive could have a positive impact on students.

"It helps them think about those who are less fortunate, especially kids, who don't understand that times are hard," she said. "As adults, we understand that the economy is not real great and that things are difficult. It's innocence of kids. We need to reach the kids. They shouldn't have to worry about everything we have to worry about. Them having something to unwrap on Christmas morning is part of that."

Those with additional questions regarding the toy drive may contact Smith at edanial@leo.tamu-commerce.edu or Singleton at 903-886-5944 or Lymeda_Singleton@tamu-commerce.edu.