The âToys for Finesâ drive, sponsored by the UTRGV Library, is accepting toy donations until Dec. 19 in Brownsville, Edinburg and Harlingen in lieu of payment for past due books. ANA CAHUICHE/THE RIDER
The University Library is offering âToys for Fines,â a six-week event in which students can donate toys in order to eliminate fees for their past due books.
âIt is such a great feeling, and I really would like to see students be a part of this,â said Associate University Librarian Annabel Treviño. Treviño and other staff members have donated toys for the program.
The event started with legacy institution UT Brownsville in 2013.
âThe toys have been donated to the Good Neighbor Settlement House,â Treviño said.
Continuing tradition, this year the toys will go to the nonprofit multiservice agency again.
âThey are going back to the community, for the children that are in most need,â she said.
All toys have to be unwrapped and new. Stuffed animals and toys representing firearms or weapons will not be accepted.
The number of toys required for donation will depend on the amount owed.
Students who owe between $1.50 and $10, may donate four toys; $10.01-$20, six toys; $20.01-$30, eight toys; $30.01-$50, 10 toys.
âUTRGV is helping students in clearing out those fines and giving back to the community,â Treviño said. âWe personally deliver the toys.â
Liliana Sanchez, access services librarian, also believes this is a great opportunity for students to help the community and clear the fines.
âNot only the children are happy, the staff members are very grateful that the university is reaching out to them and helping the community,â Sanchez said.
Communication junior Bianca Rocha, a library student assistant, believes that this is the perfect time to donate toys.
âThe holidays are coming up and it is more about giving out,â Rocha said. âThe little kids are looking forward to these kind of days. Anything small is going to make them the happiest kids ever. Even if students donât have a fine, they can come and spread love by giving toys to the community.â
Jessica Perez, a collections and archives student assistant, said, âWhen you donate a toy, you donate a smile.â
âToys for Finesâ will end Dec. 19.
For more information about volunteering or donating, visit the front desk at the library on all three campuses.
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