Generosity, goodwill and the holiday season

The holiday season holds many different traditions for different people. For some, the winter holidays are about family and togetherness. Some people make New Year's resolutions, celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa, while others are just happy for some time off from work or school. Regardless of people's beliefs, something that is generally practiced by most people this time of year is generosity and goodwill.

Although some may look at the tradition of exchanging cards or gifts and argue that the holidays have become nothing more than profit-driven corporations trying to make more money, for many people, this is not the case. Every year come December, there are those people who volunteer at their local food bank, wave a bell and collect donations in the mall for the Salvation Army or — in the case of Rebecca Aplin — organize a toy drive for charity.

This year, Rebecca Aplin, a third year Child and Youth Studies student at Brock University, has decided to run a charity toy drive in partnership with local children's hospitals. Aplin is no stranger to this however, as this year's drive will mark the third time she has organized such an event.

Aplin said the inspiration for organizing the toy drive came after an experience with a close friend. In 2007, a good friend of Aplin's was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

"I will never forget the day that I [brought] him a teddy bear named Champ," said Aplin. "The most beautiful smile crossed his face and throughout the next couple years of treatment, he always had Champ by his side."

Following this experience, Aplin wanted to spread the joy her friend felt to other children in similar situations.

"This experience inspired me to take my love for children a step farther, and that is why a couple years ago I started a ‘Teddy Bear Drive for Champs', in an effort to collect toys for children who would be spending their holidays in the hospital," said Aplin.

"I want children who are in this situation to feel that same joy and have that same smile that my friend had the day he received his bear."

After working at a children's hospital in western Canada during the summer, Aplin found that there was a need for bedside activities and toys for the children. That is why Aplin has decided to expand her teddy bear drive this year, to include different types of toys as well. Specifically, Aplin is looking for LEGO kits and DVDs, as these products are in high demand, but said she would also take teddy bears, board games and more.

So far, Aplin has contacted two children's hospitals in Ontario and depending on the turnout of donations, may contact additional hospitals as well.

"Each year I contact various hospitals depending on the outcome I am expecting," said Aplin. "This year I am hoping to have my best outcome yet, and have contacted McMaster Children's Hospital and London Children's Hospital about taking donations."

The charity runs mainly by word-of-mouth according to Aplin.

"Basically, I tell all my family and friends and I post it on Facebook," said Aplin. "I also ask friends to spread the word if they know anyone who they think would be interested in participating. Then anyone who wishes to make a donation can contact me and I will meet up with them to collect the donation."

After collecting donations, Aplin then arranges a time to meet with hospital staff at the various children's hospitals, who then distribute the toys before Christmas. Aplin humbly admitted that the charity could not happen without the commitments made by others.

"I want to make it clear that I just facilitate the toy drive, it is my family, friends and the community that make it happen," she said.

Aplin is one of many people who strive to make the holiday season more enjoyable for others in the community, especially those less fortunate. Likewise, organizations like Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold, the Salvation Army and Goodwill help thousands of families throughout the holiday season. Organizations like these are also always looking for more volunteers to help out, so those interested should not hesitate to contact these charities.

Although all donations are graciously accepted, Aplin said the point of her charity is not so much to collect as many toys as possible, but rather to open the eyes of others and to shed light on other ways to spread holiday cheer.

"As much as I would love to ask the Brock community for donations for this toy drive, my point here is more about getting people to consider ways they can bless someone else this season," said Aplin. "Whether it be through visiting someone in a nursing home who doesn't get visitors, or donating to a charity or packing a shoebox full of goodies to send overseas, I know it always makes me feel good to spread the joy of the season."

For those interested in making a donation, please contact Rebecca Aplin at ba09js@brocku.ca