Holiday Generosity: It’s In the Bags

Be a part of the university’s own toy story this holiday season by participating in the Terp Toy Drive, sponsored by the Department of Resident Life.

Filled bags of donated gifts will be accepted through Dec. 5 in this program, a partnership with College Park Youth and Family Services. Since its inception 21 years ago, students and their families, staff and faculty have supported 20,000 local families.

Donna Metz, assistant director for resident life, has served on the Terps Toy Drive committee since its inception. “I have talked with UMD staff members whose families once benefitted from the program who are now making a yearly donation to pay it forward for other College Park children,” she said.

Metz recalled some of her favorite donations from Terps, such as the student who with her grandmother knitted gloves and hats for children, the student, whose father owned a toy store, who gave numerous bags of games and toys, and the staff member who dropped off three bicycles.

Many students also love to decorate the donation bags and include notes of well wishes, hope and encouragement for the children to read.

This year’s goal is to fill 900 bags, each which bears a label with the age and gender of the child. For suggestions on appropriate items to donate or to request that a bag be delivered to you, visit the Department of Resident Life website.

Filled bags of new, unwrapped items can be dropped off at a residence hall service desk, or donors can schedule a pickup from your campus location. You don’t need a bag to contribute, and it’s not a problem if the gift does not fit in the bag. The donation will still go to a grateful child.

If you have any questions, contact the Terp Toy Drive Committee through the inquiry form or Brittany Marxen or Donna Metz at 301.226.4830.