De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU) Volunteering ran their annual campaign to support Toys on the Table (Charity No. 1128978) this month.
They provided toys and gifts for children in Leicester and the Leicestershire area at Christmas, who might otherwise not receive anything.
De Montfort students and staff donated heaps of new or unused toys with a value between £5 – £10 each for the cause. Thanks to the generosity and festive spirit from all those involved, a fantastic total of 240 toys were donated!
In addition, cake sales organised by DSU Policing Society and DMU Saints Cheerleaders raised £46 and £90 respectively which will be used by the charity to purchase even more toys.
Manjot Grewal, President of the DSU Policing Society, said: “It’s for a good cause and the fact that it’s a local charity means that it’s helping people within the local area”.
The toys collected at DSU were then wrapped by an army of volunteers in the DSU Big Wrap event on Wednesday, December 10.
The event, organised by DSU Volunteering, saw students and staff volunteer their time to wrap the donations.
These were then collected by the charity and will be distributed ready to brighten the Christmas of 240 local children.
Irene Odogwu, final year Msc Project Management student was one of the volunteers and said: “What I enjoyed most is been able to put smiles on the faces of little children in my own way, as they unwrap their gifts this Christmas.”
First year, Adult Nursing student Amanda Anderson echoed this feeling commenting: “It’s rewarding to know each child will wake with a smile on their face.”
The DSU Big Wrap event not only ensured that all 240 presents got beautifully packaged ready for their deserved recipients – but also created a great social event for all volunteers involved.
Accounting and Finance second year student, Olga Machado, said: “I got involved as I enjoy wrapping gifts, toys on the table was an interesting session as we had fun as well as interacting with each other.
“When children receive presents, it always brings a smile on their face which in turn makes me happy!”
Third year Marketing and Business student, Jiayong Lu also enjoyed The DSU Big Wrap event, and said: “As an international student from China, I got a wonderful experience to feel Christmas atmosphere and work with different students.
“Toys on the table is a good opportunity for me to feel the happiness about expressing love.”
For more information on volunteering at De Montfort Students’ Union, visit demontfortstudents.com.
By Adele Clarke
