As the season of giving quickly approaches, Alcorn State University’s (ASU) radio station WPRL 91.7 FM, will be hosting its Annual Christmas Toy Drive beginning on Monday, November 29th and ending on Monday, December 20th.
The drive was started ten years ago by the Gospel Director of WPRL, Jerome Myles Sr. The toy drive was put into place to adhere to the needs of the less fortunate families in the surrounding areas of Claiborne and Jefferson Counties during the holiday season.
Myles stated, “I was eager to start the toy drive because my colleagues and I recognized the need for a toy drive as a means to reaching the less fortunate families in the community.” He strongly believes that no child should wake up in disappointment on Christmas morning because they do not have any toys under the Christmas tree. With the help of the Alcorn family, WPRL can bring smiles to the faces of hundreds of children this year.
WPRL is currently partnered with both the Claiborne and Jefferson County Department of Human Services to fulfill children’s Christmas desires. During this year’s drive, the radio station’s staff also plans to reach out to churches and establishments within the area. Although the toy drive is only affiliated with two counties, WPRL eventually plans to expand to other surrounding counties in the future.
Toy donations are accepted for children from ages 1-13. This year the WPRL family is looking forward to collecting enough toy donations where every child in need will be able to have a toy. This is a realistic goal and can be achieved through student and faculty donations.
Toys can be donated Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm at WPRL’s radio station which is located behind the Industrial Technology Building on the Lorman Campus. If you are unable to drop off the item(s) you wish to donate, your items can be picked up by one of the staff members. Pick-ups are available by calling (601) 877-6290 or (601) 877-6595. Students and faculty can reach Mr. Myles directly at (601) 877- 6594 or by his email at jmyles@alcorn.edu.
