Food, toy drive lacks donations

What was supposed to be a joyous yet competitive food and toy drive between clubs and students throughout Citrus College has turned out to be the exact opposite.

Although the annual Food and Toy drive, held by the Associated Students of Citrus College, has been successful for the Citrus community in the past, the amount of participation by students shows that the economy is definitely taking a toll on peoples’ decisions to donate this year.

Student Life Supervisor, Adrienne Thompson, strongly agrees.

“It is a challenge for students and it’s mostly because of the economy,” Thompson said. “It’s extremely slow and really sad.”

Food and toys that are collected from students are supposed to be distributed at local agencies, including YWCA-WINGS and the Foothill Unity Center.

But, the amount of donations hoped for by the ASCC is slowing dwindling away.

As for the competition between Citrus clubs and organizations, the two clubs with the most participation are the Green Committee and the Anime Connection.

“Unfortunately, the amount of food and toys turned in by these two clubs and anyone else who is participating is too low to even tell anyone,” Thompson said.

Thursday, Dec. 10, is last day to donate at least one item to the community.

Look for decorated Food and Toy Drive boxes around campus, where you can drop off your gift.

It is understood that times are extremely difficult, but if students take Thompson’s advice and give up one energy drink or espresso for a day to buy a can of food, “you can really help a family go to bed without an empty stomach.”