As the holiday season approach, the Veterans Club hosts its annual Toy Drive
(Photo Credit: Adrian Panopio)
The holiday season for most people is a time to give and receive gifts, celebrate with family and friends. But for many Americans, especially in these hard times, the holidays often means making do with what they have and oftentimes sacrificing the chance to purchase gifts for their children in order to put food on the table or survive. The Wright College Veterans Club, as they do every year, hosts a Toy Drive- collecting donations for Toys for Tots.
Everardo Nunez sat down with Wright Times to answer some questions about their Toy Drive:
How did the Toy Drive Start? Why did the Veteran's Club pick this particular charity?
“So this is the longest charity that the Marine Corps has been doing since 1947 and it’s our branch, so we are familiar with how things are run. They have been doing this every year, even back when I was in the army, we would buy toys and deliver it to the truck to distribute it amongst the families. The Veterans Club has been doing this toy drive for the last 8 or so years.”
What kind of toys are needed?
“The toys have to be sealed in the box, and plushies have to be brand new. As long as they are still in their original packaging and is not damaged, we are taking them”
(Photo Credit: Adrian Panopio)
How does this year's number of donations so far compare to last year or previous years?
“So far, it's been about the same as last year's numbers and we are still expecting more toys to arrive and be donated. And after our donut sales last week, we are going to be using the funds we make to buy more toys to add to our donation box”
Until when can people donate to the Toy Drive?
“Friday, December 8th is the last day. The marines come in early in the morning to pick them up, but Brian will drive out the rest that we end up purchasing”
Nunez also expressed the Club’s profound gratitude for the donations and support they have received from the Wright College community, especially in these hard financial times.
As tradition, the Veterans Club will be doing their Donut Sales for Finals Week. You can purchase a Krispy Kreme donut for $2 a piece or $18 for a dozen. All proceeds from this sale will go towards purchasing more toys to donate to Toys for Tots.
Bryan Soske Sr, the head of the Veterans Services Center briefly discussed what services they offer.
What is the Veterans Services Center's purpose?
"Our main purpose is taking care of the Veterans from their service time until they are walking across the stage grabbing their diploma–and everything in between, helping them register for classes, apply for their state and federal benefits, and do their applications for the school. Little nuances of school like advising and all that stuff. We also give them a place here for camaraderie."
How many people have utilized the Veterans Services Center?
"Right now, veterans-wise, we have 117 veterans enrolled this semester. Since I got here eight years ago, we have had over 9,000 people coming in the room."
What services do you offer to those who use the Veterans Services Center?
"I do their applications to the school. I help them with their financial aid paperwork if they need it, as far as my level of knowledge goes. If it gets too hard on financial aid, I do their state and federal education benefits. I do referral services. So, if somebody has problems, I refer them to agencies, whether it is in the house of the school or through the Veterans Affairs, or just word of mouth."
Lastly, what would the Veterans Services Center say about Veterans Day?
"I am grateful for everybody who was there before me and the outpouring of support I have gotten from my service–it's overwhelming. Every one of these guys in this room has played a role, making that day possible, and that goes on. We have a plaque for the people who died in World War I and were part of the school. It's very important, and the city and the state are very good at taking care of their veterans."
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