IMPACT continues to push toy drive for the Aiken Salvation Army
The USCA IMPACT group is holding a toy drive for The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Aiken.
The specific goal of this drive is similar to many others: provide resources and materials for children that they would otherwise not receive. The box, located outside the Student Life Center, is open for multiple items including “toys, crafts, and other educational materials” according to Lindsey Calhoun, student coordinator for IMPACT.
This specific drive is catered towards toys. Calhoun wrote that the main focus is on children and what makes them happy, hence the donation recommendations.
In an email correspondence with Calhoun, she described the reason why it is vital to have student involvement- the main reason the Boys and Girls Club partnered with USCA.
“Children respond well to young adults. They see us as mentors and people they want to be like one day. When children see college students who are kind and caring, they aspire to be like us and go to college one day too.” USCA IMPACT has already worked with the Boys and Girls Club previously and have supplied countless donations and resources. Their mission statement “is to provide children with a safe place to develop essential skills, make lasting connections, and have fun,” this is where student involvement becomes essential.
Calhoun expresses that students can become involved in the club more than donating, but also sign up to be a part of the club and work hands-on with the children in the after-school program. Students can sign up in the Student Life Office for more information regarding involvement. “Some things that students do when volunteering is help students with their homework, play games with the kids, and play outside. Students may also get involved with the Boys and Girls Club by donating money or crafts. Students should know that IMPACT works with organizations all throughout the Aiken Community. If they are interested in getting involved, they can sign up in the student life office to be a part of our email group where they will receive opportunities to volunteer regularly.”
Beyond being a figure for children to look up to, encouraging higher education, and helping to fulfill happiness for children that may not have equal opportunities, USCA’s IMPACT also partners with multiple other Aiken organizations. According to IMPACT’s page on USCA’s website, “IMPACT projects are community service projects that are offered throughout the semester at different Aiken area agencies. Past projects have benefited the Mental Health Association, the SPCA, Carriage Hill Nursing Home, Aiken Parks and Recreation, to name a few.”
IMPACT is a distinctive organization in the Aiken area due to its versatility in service: “IMPACT separates itself from other groups in the area by being involved on many levels and facets. We are not specific towards one type of service, but rather try to be involved where there is a need and provide our time to make the Aiken community better and get USCA students involved.”
For more information, the Student Life Office offers additional information and email registration on current and prospective projects.
