LU faculty, staff support local families for the holidays

Lamar University faculty and staff are once again lending their support to ToyFeast, the annual community initiative aimed at providing food, toys, and financial assistance to Southeast Texas families during the holiday season.

Organized in partnership with KFDM News and the United Way of Beaumont and North Jefferson County, ToyFeast brings together local businesses, community organizations, and individuals to ensure children and families in need enjoy a brighter Christmas.

“Lamar University relies on this community for so much. We ask them to enroll at our university, support our athletics programs, attend campus events including theatre and dance performances, art shows, band performances, and so much more,” Associate Director of Community Relations & Public Affairs John Rollins said. “ToyFeast is a chance for Lamar to reciprocate those efforts as a community partner. We host donation drives throughout the year for the Cardinal food and clothing pantry which benefits our students in need, but this is an annual opportunity to be part of something bigger for the broader community.”

Rollins said this year’s efforts nearly doubled the number of toys collected compared with the previous year, with nearly 200 toys. “The response was amazing,” he said. “The heartwarming fact of the matter is that hundreds of local children will have a toy under the tree this Christmas because of the generosity of our faculty and staff. That is a beautiful thing.”

The live broadcast event is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 12 on KFDM Channel 6: The Morning Show from 4:30 a.m. – 7 a.m., and the news at noon with Patrina Adger. Coverage will continue live on FOX Southeast Texas’ ARC Southeast Texas, featuring Angel San Juan and Macy Meyer at 8 a.m., and Macy Meyer and Jade Moreau at 10 a.m.

Every year, the KFDM-FOX4 crew rallies the Southeast Texas community to donate toys, food, and cash for those less fortunate, focusing efforts on children, families, and seniors in need. Last year, the community contributed $52,238 in cash, toys, and non-perishable food in just one day.

“ToyFeast is a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when we care for one another,” said Shannon Figueroa, Director of Alumni Affairs and Advancement Services at Lamar University and a United Way board member. “At a time when so many families are feeling the strain of economic uncertainty, community support becomes even more vital. We are grateful to stand alongside our community partners to help ensure every child experiences the joy of the season. Service is one of Lamar University’s core values, and participating in ToyFeast allows our faculty and staff to live that out in a meaningful way.”

All items and funds collected are distribute directly to the United Way partner agencies. Financial contributions can also be made via the ToyFeast “text to give” platform to ensure Southeast Texans have access to toys, meals, and other resources during the holidays.

For more information on ToyFeast or to contribute, text “TOYFEAST” (all one word) to 50155.