A campus-wide toy drive to benefit the D.C. Children's Hospital begins today and will continue through Thursday, Dec. 4, the night of the benefit show "Reindeer Rock Show" in the Tavern.
D.C. Children's Hospital cares for children who are critically or terminally ill, and who cannot be at home for the holidays. Donations needed include basic items that would improve the lives of the children they care for as well as toys, clothing, baby toys and electronics.
"For the holidays, everyone here is fortunate to be with their families and they don't often have to worry about their health," organizer and senior Casey Hatcher said, "but if we can make their holidays brighter, with something as significant as a toy in a child's life, I think that makes a difference."
Hatcher works along with senior Mariel Reynolds, and is hoping to receive as much as 500 items.
Although she has only been there twice, Hatcher recollects her visits. Of her experience, two things standout in her mind - the Ouch-Free Room and the Hall of Heroes, she said
"The Ouch-Free Room is a room where there are no doctors, no nurses and no medical procedures," Hatcher said. "However, upon walking into the room, there are kids of all ages, some with no hair, others with IV's and some with life threatening diseases."
Meanwhile, she describes the hallway of heroes, with pictures of kids who have beaten their sickness from babies to 25-year-olds.
"These pictures of smiley happy people are inspiration to parents and help give kids hope," Hatcher said.
Hatcher wanted to connect the service project to music.
"I thought it would be fun, since I'm interested in music and I've done a lot of service projects like this before," Hatcher said. "I wanted to use my time left and what I learned to help some kids over the holidays."
There have already been a number of responses to the project from different clubs and greeks, Hatcher said.
Hatcher encourages student groups to gear their collections to a certain theme on the hospital's wish lists. One example is that the a cappella groups have thought about bringing a number of musical instruments and fraternities are directing their attention to toys for boys.
According to Hatcher, local businesses have also agreed to contribute including Chipotle, Treetop Toys and Armand's Pizza.
"We're mostly keeping it with AU but students can help by asking family, friends or employers if they would like to donate toys," Hatcher said. "Everyone can contribute something."
Local bands confirmed to play at the Reindeer Rock Show include Sam's House, The Low Life and Lloyd Dobbler Effect.
"After putting in hard work at the end of the semester, the show ends up being a thank you for everyone's help," Hatcher said.
Donations and contributions will still be accepted at the show. In the mean time, students are encouraged to drop toys off at the donations table in the Mary Graydon Center.
