Melissa Milich
Staff Writer
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of finals and the last push towards the end of the semester, members of the Student Occupational Therapy Association still find time and joy in making the holiday season a great time for others. This year, SOTA teamed up with 94.7 WMAS, a local radio station, to put on a toy drive for Shiners Hospital.
“My inspiration for the toy drive came through volunteer work in the Springfield Public Schools and being a student in the OT program here at Springfield College. I saw how the children had little and I wanted to help and give back,” Melissa Reed, president of the organization, stated.
The radio station was enthusiastic to combine efforts with the organization to help families in the area. During this hectic time of year it is easy to get caught up in papers, exams and presentations, and forget about others that surround us. This toy drive is one of the many ways that students can take a few minutes out of their day to give back to others. Small acts of kindness, such as donating a small toy, can make all of the difference in the world. The organization has placed a donation box in the Campus Union and Allied Health Lobby where students and faculty have the opportunity to contribute to the drive.
“Students can help spread the word and donate unwrapped new toys. No donations will be turned away,” said Reed.
Upon the completion of the drive, members of SOTA will be meeting with the vice president of the radio station and help distribute the toys.
“On December 14, the toys will be loaded onto a truck and will be distributed to local schools and other agencies to assist families in need to bring Christmas cheer,” said Reed.