Jefferson’s Student Government Association (SGA) is running their annual charity toy drive in celebration of the holiday season along with the Winter Bash. This year, Jefferson’s SGA is partnering with Mobile Hope, a non-profit organization supporting children who are at-risk or homeless. Until Dec. 18, SGA is collecting new and gently used toys under the winter tree in Nobel Commons.
Founded by Donna Fortier, Mobile Hope is an organization based in Loudoun County Virginia that helps to empower homeless communities in our area by guiding them on a path from homelessness to self-sufficiency. They work to shelter, clothe, feed and transport individuals in need. SGA activities director Mikaela Nowinski was able to bring Mobile Hope’s cause to Jefferson for this holiday season.
“Each year we have done a toy drive since I’ve been here with SGA. We’ve never done it with Mobile Hope though,” Nowinski said. “I’m hoping we continue doing it with Mobile Hope.”
Nowinski’s personal experience volunteering with Mobile Hope allowed her to form a personal connection with the organization.
“[Helping out] makes me feel really happy because a week prior, me and my dad volunteered at a [Mobile Hope] pick-up spot where we passed out goods to the children,” Nowinski said. “I’m hoping that we have enough toys to spread out to these kids so that they’re able to bring whatever toy they want home.”
Logistical concerns can arise when planning an event like a charity toy drive, especially in collaboration with a school.
“The hardest part [about doing a charity event] is probably finding an organization willing to work with a school,” SGA sponsor Erin Connelly-Kosek said. “[The organization] has to come to the school and pick up the toys as opposed to us bringing it to the location. And it’s a busy time of the year. A lot of times, they just aren’t interested.”
Between reaching out to charities, advertising the event, and keeping all parties coordinated, SGA puts a lot of work into the toy drive event every year. With this event, Jefferson is able to support many young children who may need a little bit more joy around the holidays. Fortier hopes to spread awareness about the homelessness issue around Leesburg and Northern Virginia.
“It is the most humbling thing I have ever seen in my life,” Fortier said in an interview from 2021. “We are humbled to be doing this every day are we’re truly humbled that these kids trust us and come back to us every day.”