Faculty and staff support ToyFeast for Southeast Texans in need

Lamar University faculty and staff are lending their support to this year's ToyFeast, a community-wide initiative aimed at providing food, toys, and monetary donations to benefit Southeast Texas families during the holiday season.

The annual event, organized in collaboration with KFDM News and the United Way of Beaumont and North Jefferson County, brings together local businesses, community organizations, and generous individuals to ensure a brighter Christmas for those in need.

Lamar faculty and staff have contributed to the initiative by volunteering at collection sites, organizing toy drives, and raising awareness about the campaign's impact. Efforts from the university community have focused on gathering donations to benefit organizations such as The Salvation Army branches in Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Orange; Southeast Texas Food Bank; Women & Children's Shelter; and Nutrition & Services for Seniors.

"Lamar University relies on this community for so much. We ask them to enroll at our university, support our athletics programs, attend our theatre and dance performances, art shows, band performances, and so much more," Associate Director of Community Relations & Public Affairs John Rollins said. "This was 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 was an opportunity to be part of something bigger for the broader community."

The live broadcast event kicked off the morning of Dec. 13, with Angel San Juan and Macy Meyer from KFDM News' The Morning Show reporting from Doggett Toyota, and Patrina Adger broadcasting live from 5Point Credit Union in Mid-County.

"We are proud to be part of an initiative that supports so many vital organizations in our region," Director of Alumni Affairs Shannon Figueroa said.

Building on this commitment to service, Figueroa, who also serves on the United Way board, emphasized how Lamar University's participation in ToyFeast aligns with its core values and strengthens ties to the community

"One of the key values Lamar University strives to instill in its students is lifelong service to others. By participating in ToyFeast, it gave Lamar University faculty and staff the opportunity to live out that value, serving as an example to our students, and demonstrating how service to others strengthens our community," Figueroa said. "We truly appreciate our wonderful community who supports us all year round, and helping the underserved, especially during the holidays, is one way that we can show how much we love and value our community. We are so grateful to the many wonderful organizations who participated in ToyFeast. It is a reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of looking out for one another."

ToyFeast is made possible through partnerships with local businesses, including Doggett Auto Group, TotalEnergies, Rao's Bakery, BASF TotalEnergies Petrochemicals LLC, and 5Point Credit Union. Lamar faculty and staff joined other community members to sort items which will be distributed to families in time for the holiday season.

"I'm unsure of the exact number of toys that were collected, but my guess is between 100 and 200 toys," Rollins said. "If more than 100 local children will have a toy under the tree this Christmas, then our faculty and staff's efforts were worth it. It's a beautiful thing."

All items and funds collected are distributed directly to the United Way partner agencies. Financial contributions can be 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.

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