To some, the holidays are a time for food, family and fun, but not everyone is so fortunate. 

The Nu Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Nu Omega Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the Eta Lambda Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority have teamed up since 2005 with the mission of helping to make the holidays the best time of the year for all by starting the Toys from the Heart toy drive. 

This year, they were joined by the Omicron Nu Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, Kappa Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Delta Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, African American Alumni Chapter, Student United Way and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. 

This year, the organizations will be servicing Central Tangi Head Start and Southeastern Headstart, as well as 20 homeless families, totaling up to over 450 children. This group is considering about expanding their reach to another school because of the abundance of generosity of the community. So far, Toys from the Heart has raised over $800 in donations for 2014.

“I go to the Headstart and we give one toy to every child, but when it comes to our homeless families, we give more than one toy per child,” said Donnisha Patterson, president of the Nu Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. “We only give new toys to Headstart kids, but we give gently used toys and new toys to our homeless people. We really don’t want to limit ourselves for those families, but with the schools, you can only give what people tell you.”

The charity typically raises about $1,000 each year in donations from both individuals and organizations, such as the athletic department and churches around the community.

“We deliver toys on Dec. 5. On the 4th, we have a wrap party where we get together, order pizza and wrap all the toys that night,” said Patterson. “The Friday after, we get up and go to each school. Someone dresses up as an elf, we have Santa Claus and we go play music and hand out gifts to the children.”

This philanthropy should not be confused with Food from the Heart, or its similar Christmas charity also named Toys from the Heart.

“A member of Kappa Alpha Phi wanted to be a beacon of light for Christmas time, and just that one person started something so big,” said Patterson. “Once he started it, it was like a domino effect.”

Toys from the Heart is accepting donations of new and gently used toys for children and infants. No toy guns will be accepted unless they have a military affiliation.

Those that want to donate can bring toys to any of the Christmas boxes located inside the Pennington Student Activity Center, located at the corner of University Avenue and General Pershing Avenue and also in the SGA office in Mims Hall, room 118. They can also be found at both ends of the Student Union from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 3-6, Nov. 10-13, Nov. 17-20, Nov 24-25 and Dec. 1-2.