GSW partners with SOWEGA CASA for annual Toy Drive

AMERICUS, GA (November 8, 2021) — Georgia Southwestern State University is partnering with Southwest Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates (SOWEGA CASA) for a Toy Drive during the month of November to benefit foster children in SOWEGA CASA’s 17-county service area. The goal is to provide gifts this Christmas season to 300 foster children, ages ranging from two months to 17 years old.

This year’s Toy Drive is led by the freshmen cohort in GSW’s President Jimmy Carter Leadership Program as part of their service-learning criteria required by the program.

“We would all be so grateful no matter how big or small your donation can be,” stated GSW freshman Alex Espitia from Newton, Ga. “With your help, we could provide over 300 smiles Christmas morning.”

The group is encouraging individuals to donate sports items (footballs, basketballs, bats, gloves, softballs, baseballs, etc.), bicycles and bicycle helmets, Vtech learning toys, tablets and tablet protectors, and gift cards to Wal-Mart, Amazon, or restaurants. 

Donations may be dropped off on GSW’s campus inside the Student Success Center (Storm Dome) 3rd floor, Canes Central, Marshall Student Center hallway, Wheatley Administration Building, or the CASA House. Arrangements for pick-up may also be made available if needed.

Venmo and PayPal donations to SOWEGA CASA are also accepted. 

SOWEGA’s service area includes Ben Hill, Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Early, Lee, Macon, Miller, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Seminole, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell, Webster and Wilcox counties. 

For more information, contact GSW’s Division of Student Engagement and Success at (229) 928-1387 or stop by the third floor of the Student Success Center.

A few members of the President Jimmy Carter Leadership Program pictured are top L-R: Regan Lee of Callahan, Fl., Kayla Crisp of Canton, Ga., Alex Espitia of Newton, Ga., Miranda Brannon of Donalsonville, Ga., Savannah McKleroy of Kathleen, Ga.; and bottom: Chase Moore of Lakeland, Fl.