Many local children will be smiling this holiday season, thanks to the generosity and teamwork of the Cal State San Bernardino community.

CSUSB’s Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration (JHBC) recently concluded its most successful Annual Toy Drive yet, bringing in $7,000-$8,000 worth of toys – enough to fill a classroom.

Held from Nov. 1-Dec. 12, the event united students, faculty, staff and university partners to support Partners Against Violence, a nonprofit organization in San Bernardino that provides vital aid to survivors of sexual violence.

“This year, the toy drive is the most successful it’s ever been, and it’s thanks to the collaborative efforts of CSUSB coming together as a whole!” said Marina Kamel, JHBC communications specialist, who co-organized the event with Kirstyn Hansen, budget analyst for the Student Health Center, and CSUSB Chief of Police John Guttierez.

Through a campus community effort, CSUSB’s Annual Toy Drive brought in $7,000-$8,000 worth of toys – enough to fill a classroom.
Through a campus community effort, CSUSB’s Annual Toy Drive brought in $7,000-$8,000 worth of toys – enough to fill a classroom.

The Annual Toy Drive is a collaboration between multiple departments and partners across campus. The event was spearheaded by JHBC, the CSUSB University Police Department and the Student Health Center. The Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Marketing, the Procurement Office, Starbucks (Yotie Eats), the Career Center, Parking & Transportation Services, the MBA Office, Counseling & Psychological Services, and the Santos Manuel Student Union all contributed to the drive’s success. In particular, the Santos Manuel Student Union provided several Cody plushies as an incentive for students who donated toys.

Dora Mejia, manager for Emergency Management & Business Continuity at University Police Department, supported and promoted the Annual Toy Drive.
Dora Mejia, manager for Emergency Management & Business Continuity at University Police Department, supported and promoted the Annual Toy Drive.

The toys, ranging from gifts for infants to teenagers, were carefully sorted and delivered to Partners Against Violence, which provides support for survivors of sexual violence and is committed to helping individuals and families rebuild their lives free from violence. All services offered by the organization are confidential and available at no cost to survivors, their significant others, and family members.

During the holidays, Partners Against Violence hosts a special event where clients are invited to "shop" for toys and necessities, ensuring that children can still experience the joy of receiving gifts while their families work toward regaining stability.