A ticket for a toy drive inspires many at IVC
Karen Martin, Operations Manager of the IVC Performing Arts Center shows the award given from the Calf. state senate. (Valery Fregoso/Lariat )
The Irvine Valley College Performing Arts Center gets recognized from the Calif. 34th state district for their successful “ticket for a toy” toy drive in support of Toys for Tots last year.
The Toys for Tots Foundation is a foundation that allows people to donate a new toy for a child in need during Christmas time. Through this foundation, many people host their own drive in support of this foundation according to the foundation’s website.
“Last year we had a drive but we didn’t talk about it in time,” Karen Martin, Operations Manger of the Performing Arts Center said. “This year we started the drive in early Oct. and it went on to the second week in Dec.”
The IVC Performing Arts Center did not just have an ordinary toy drive, they hosted a “ticket for a toy” toy drive, which gave the incentive to donors for every $10 toy you donate, the donor received two free tickets to any of their shows throughout the season.
With the help of the students, faculty, and patrons, this toy drive was able to successfully happen. Robert Flournoy, Maintence and Operations at IVC, helped set up the initial Toy Drive with his connections to Toys for Tots.
“Last year in 2011 we did our 1st toy drive on campus,” Flournoy said. “Karen messaged me before this drive because she wanted to get various departments involved.”
The IVC Performing Arts Center collected 150 toys and gave away around 300 tickets.
After the state senator, Lou Correa, found out about the success of the “ticket for a toy” toy drive, an award for recognition of the toy drive was made.
“I am overwhelmed with the responses to patrons on the idea of this project.” Martin said.
The IVC Performing Arts Center is currently holding another drive by collecting new or gently used backpacks and school supplies in support of Edward B. Cole Sr. Academy in Santa Ana. They are once again offering two tickets to any of their shows from the remainder of the season for those who bring a donation of $10 or more.
“In this economy where people are struggling, what the Performing Arts Center is doing is great,” Flournoy said. “It is called compassion for others and it is nice to see this happening in Irvine.”
Donations can be brought to the IVC Performing Arts Center box office during their normal operating hours, Tuesday through Thursday from 10am– 1-pm and 2pm– 4pm. Donations will be accepted through May 19th.
For more information on starting your own toy drive, please visit http://www.toysfortots.org/
For more information on what to donate for the backpack drive, please visit https://www.vendini.com/e/viewEmail.php?campaignID=63427&memberID=7f2103548b76704d8bb33ec2b1f18b99
For more information on the IVC Perfoming Arts, please visit http://www.ivcarts.org/