Rivier University Toy Drive benefitting Nashua PAL begins

It is in giving that we receive … please donate today. 

Rivier University students have launched the fourth annual Toy Drive to support Nashua PAL (Police Athletic League) and area foster children this Christmas and holiday season. Unwrapped toys and cash donations will be collected from November 29 – December 10 to purchase gift cards and toys on children’s wish lists. Nashua PAL and Ascentria Care Alliance will distribute the donations to local families.

Students in Rivier’s Campus Ministry Club lead this project with active support from Raiders Athletics student-athletes. Several of the students participating in the Toy Drive volunteer weekly at Nashua PAL throughout the academic year.

“Rivier University and Nashua PAL are longstanding community partners,” shares Anna Molettieri, Rivier’s Director of Campus Ministry. “PAL serves more than 2,000 youth in Greater Nashua with educational, leadership, and activity programs, in which many of our students take an active role as volunteers and mentors. Rivier’s Toy Drive provides an opportunity for the entire University to support and celebrate our partnership during this season of giving.”

The Rivier University Toy Drive offers multiple ways to donate. In addition to the toy drop-off boxes located across campus, the Toy Drive has a fundraising webpage rivier.edu/toydrive for cash donations.

Truly a community effort, Rivier’s Christmas Tree Lighting attendees brought toy donations to the event. Bishop Guertin High School and local businesses One Stop Liquors and Just 4 Change Non-Profit collect donations for this fundraiser as well.

“The need for holiday gifts and donations is especially great this year as the entire Nashua community continues to recover from the pandemic,” says Vincent Swierk ‘23, Campus Ministry Club President. “Last year we were truly blessed with the amazing support we received, and we are striving this year to exceed our fundraising goal once again! Any and all donations will be used to directly impact local children and families.”

This project also impacts Rivier students. “The annual Toy Drive is a strong reminder of Rivier’s mission—transforming hearts and minds to serve the world,” says Kurt Stimeling, Vice President for Student Affairs. “The joy our students take in their service and making a difference in others’ lives is life-changing for them.”

Members of the community are invited to donate through the fundraising webpage or to deposit unwrapped toys in the collection boxes at the Dion Center, Learning Commons, Molloy Hall, and Regina Library on Rivier’s campus by December 10.