Panther Toy Store helps those in need
Dec. 7, 2007
Panther Toy Store volunteer Alejandro Barrantes collected toys last week that were donated by the Advancement Division. |
Last Saturday, for the seventh consecutive year, the Panther Toy Store opened its doors to offer underprivileged families the opportunity to purchase Christmas presents at sharply reduced prices.
“We served 44 families and about 130 kids,” said senior Michelle Stewart, the chair of this year’s effort, which was held at Benjamin Harvey Hills Homes.
Michelle explained that the concept behind the toy store is to have parents pay something for the presents rather than just giving them a handout because, she said, making a purchase allows them to feel a sense of pride.
“Our slogan is ‘Giving the Gift of Dignity,’” she said.
During this year’s event, Michelle said that she was emotionally moved by the life story of one of the toy store customers.
“There was one lady in particular who said she and her husband were having a really rough year. Her husband had owned his own business and had lost everything, and she said that without us she wouldn’t be able to provide a Christmas for her family.”
About a semester’s worth of planning went into making the toy store possible. Two fundraisers were held in the weeks leading up to the event: one at Bruster’s and a bake sale sponsored by the Service Council held in the cafeteria.
The project also received funding from the Student Organization Assistance Program, and several campus departments contributed toys as well.
Michelle, who has been a volunteer with the Panther Toy Store all four of her years at LaGrange, explained why she’s involved in the effort.
“For one thing, it gets me in the Christmas spirit by helping and serving others. But it’s also fun to see parents able to buy presents for their kids and get excited about the presents they’re buying.”
