The Illini Union Office of Volunteer Programs (OVP) is sponsoring two charity drives benefiting local families in the Champaign County.
The two charities are The Thanksgiving Basket Drive, which lasts through Nov. 17, and The Holiday Toy Drive, through Dec. 7. The OVP encourages students, staff and faculty to donate a laundry basket filled with food or a new toy under $15.
“We are providing full Thanksgiving meals, which is a big help for those who cannot afford an entire meal,” said Nikki Bornes, graduate assistant for the OVP.
She said individuals could sponsor a child of their choosing. There will be snowflakes posted at the OVP with the child’s information.
“There will be a name tag with gender, age and specific toy a child asked for,” Bornes said.
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Bornes said the OVP has been sponsoring The Thanksgiving Basket Drive for four years now.
The OVP is a division of Student Affairs at the University that’s primary goal is to promote community service and increase students’ awareness of the needs of the Champaign-Urbana community.
