FARMINGDALE, N.Y. | For the fourth consecutive year, the Farmingdale State College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) played host to a toy drive in the lobby of Nold Hall, as part of the national Toys for Tots program conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. 

Over a two-week stretch leading into the holiday season, student-athlete leaders spread the word about the drive through their teammates, family, friends, and the Farmingdale State campus community. As a result, two large boxes of donated toys were delivered recently to the initiative, and the toys will be distributed by the U.S. Marine Corps to economically disadvantaged children in the area for the holidays. 

"Being part of the Toys for Tots drive is a reminder of how impactful it can be when student-athletes come together to give back to the community," said Sarah Rende (Wantagh, N.Y.), an Academic All-District and All-Skyline Conference volleyball student-athlete at FSC who led an effort within her team that resulted in a significant contribution to the drive. "Knowing our efforts on SAAC and within our teams help to bring some extra joy to kids during the holidays is something we take a lot of pride in, and we are excited to continue this each winter."

About the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program

The basic mission of the Marine Toys for Tots Program is to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas. The primary goal of Marine Toys for Tots is, through the gift of a new toy, help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America's economically disadvantaged children. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation became a 501(c)(3) in 1991.