Holiday toy drive to bring diversity, gifts to local kids

IU’s Black Graduate Student Association is collecting toys reflecting African American culture to provide underprivileged kids in Bloomington with holiday gifts different from the blond-haired Barbie doll or G.I. Joe action figure.

The Black Toy Drive , which began Nov. 15, strives to add diversity to the holidays, BGSA Vice President Carl Darnell said.

Darnell, who helped organize the drive, said while cultural diversity exists on campus, it is not always apparent.

“People don’t see black people until high school or college,” Darnell said. “If we get black toys to children at an early age, we can get them exposed to black culture and get them to ask questions.”

Darnell said BGSA hopes to collect toys that show black culture or feature a black character, such as a “Men in Black” Will Smith action figure or a Princess Tiana doll from the Disney movie “The Princess and the Frog”.

Books by black authors and picture books with illustrations depicting black culture are also being collected.

The toy drive will continue until Dec. 12, and BGSA is currently working with IU School of Education to find a place to donate the toys.

“We’re looking at the Salvation Army with hopes of identifying families in high poverty levels to make sure they get toys and gifts this holiday season,” Darnell said.

Those interested in donating are asked to contact BGSA at iubgsa@indiana.edu or bring donations to Memorial Hall 003A.

— Kirsten Clark