RA's organize toy drive for needy local children

Keeping in mind the many children who will be without presents this year, resident assistants at Eigenmann Hall have organized a toy drive.\nThe toys the RAs collect will go to benefit the children at the Middle Way House of Monroe County, which is dedicated to ending violence in the lives of women and children by implementing or sponsoring activities and programs aimed at achieving individual and social change.\nSenior Hannah Jones, an RA and coordinator of the toy drive, said she wanted to find a way to help out the Bloomington community.\n"We are members of the community, even if we only live here for part of the year, and we should give back to it," Jones said.\nLiz Kirkland, children's advocate at Middle Way House, said the majority of families the organization deals with at Middle Way are victims of domestic abuse who do not have a lot of funding and need some assistance during the holidays.\n"We have a lot of families in this community that, for whatever reason, cannot afford things for their children this holiday season," Kirkland said. \nKirkland said multiple organizations help assist Middle Way by organizing toy drives each winter to help support the families that need assistance.\n"Last year we served over 100 individuals," Kirkland said. "We assist children in shelters and children in families that are no longer in shelters. We helped out approximately 35 families and 82 children."\nSophomore Brian Leech, Eigenmann Hall RA and co-coordinator of the toy drive, said the project is a chance to give back to the community and to get into the seasonal spirit of giving.\n"We really encourage people to donate toys or any pocket change they may have," he said.\nKirkland said parents are very appreciative of the donations people make.\n"Families are overwhelmed," Kirkland said. "I've had mothers collapse on me, weeping because they did not know what they were going to do for presents for their children. They are full of gratitude."\nIt is difficult for parents to tell their children that they will not be receiving any gifts this holiday when they are often brought up to believe the holidays are a time to receive gifts, Kirkland said.\n"Children do not understand that mommy does not have enough money," Kirkland said. "To be in a position where you cannot buy anything for children can be devastating. We assist in helping mothers make it possible for their children to enjoy the holidays."\nThe last day for donations is Dec. 14 so that the gifts can be delivered before the holidays begin. Donations can be dropped off at the center desk of Eigenmann Hall. There will also be raffle tickets sold at the Student Activities Desk in the Union for a DVD player that has been donated by Wal-Mart. Tickets are $1.\n"I am hoping that everyone will come out and donate," Jones said. \n-- Contact staff writer Dana Sands at dsands@indiana.edu.