Student services, like the Family Care Office, threw down the challenge – Bloomberg Nursing has consistently provided a high volume of donations to the Food & Toy Drive for the last five years – and the faculty responded by bringing even more toys in for 2012.
Many students at University of Toronto are parents who are shouldering the responsibility of tuition while trying to make the holidays special for their children. Recognizing that the holidays add financial strain to students with children, divisions within U of T started a university-wide Food & Toy Drive over five years ago. The Faculty of Nursing thought this Food & Toy Drive would be a great way to break the mould of a traditional Kris Kringle and invited staff to bring a toy for a child, ranging in age from infant to teen, which would be dropped off at the Family Care Office.
Staff were beyond generous in 2012, bringing together a haul of toys, thoughtfully picked out for each age range, including a remote-controlled truck, LEGO, a Leap Frog animated game, Jenga and an Aquadoodle. Over a festive afternoon tea colleagues gathered to unwrap a toy, guessing as to what it might be. There was plenty of oohing and ahhhing, and more than one person wishing that toy was actually for them. All in all, it was a fantastic opportunity for the Faculty of Nursing to support the Food & Toy Drive while having a good laugh with coworkers.
Thank you to faculty and staff for taking the time to pick really thoughtful gifts that will make a difference for students with families over this holiday season.