Students organize Panther Toy Store
October 27, 2006
On Saturday, Dec. 2, the Panther Toy Store will open its doors for the sixth consecutive year, offering underprivileged families the opportunity to purchase Christmas presents for their children at greatly reduced prices.
The chair of this year’s effort, senior David McMillian, explained the concept behind the store.
“People don’t necessarily want handouts, and by buying toys at a discounted price, they still have a sense of getting something for their kids that’s not just a handout.
“The people who use the Panther Toy Store have a sense of empowerment because they are buying gifts for their kids and are able to pick out what their kids want … not just take something that somebody gave them.”
McMillian said donation boxes will be set up in early November in Pitts Dining Hall and First Baptist Church on the Square. He asked that any toy donated be new, with the exception of used bicycles in good condition.
In addition to new toys, financial donations also will be accepted for the student-led effort. The deadline for contributions of toys or cash is Nov. 27.
McMillian, who is in his second year as a Panther Toy Store volunteer, talked about why he’s involved with the project.
“Children are a passion of mine … and when I first came in contact with the Panther Toy Store, I saw it as a way to serve.
“It also involves a lot of skills in terms of organization and planning and budgeting, which is all business stuff, and I like business anyway. So it put together my passion for service along with some planning and organizational skills that I like.”
To volunteer or make a donation, e-mail McMillian at dcmcmillian@lagrange.edu, or call him at 706-302-7095.
