Toy collection for families of troops to take place on campus Dec. 5-16

A holiday toy drive will be held at the Storrs campus from Dec. 5 through Dec. 16. All toys and other items collected will be donated to Operation Elf, a charity hosted by Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s office, in support of deployed Connecticut troops and their families.

“Even if you don’t support the war, please support the troops and their families,” says Janet Freniere, transportation services administrator, who is coordinating the drive. “Last year we collected over 650 toys, including 13 brand new bicycles. I’d like nothing more than to beat that total this year.”

The drive will collect new, unwrapped toys for all ages. Toys for “older” children (eight years and up) – such as jigsaw puzzles, nail polish sets, art sets, jewelry kits, model cars and airplanes, books, CDs, etc. – are particularly welcome, as there are generally fewer items donated for this age group. Batteries should be included with any toys or games that require them.

In addition to toys, grocery and department store gift cards and international phone cards are also sought, as well as items that can be sent to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.