On hand for the launch of Operation Toys for Kids were (L-R) George Tilley, CEO of St. John’s Health Care Corporation, Tom Hennifent, CEP, Danielle Butt of NTV News, and Memorial President Dr. Axel Meisen.

Memorial University’s Campus Enforcement and Patrol (CEP) unit is helping to spread holiday joy across campus and around the province with Operation Toys for Kids, its annual Christmas toy drive for children. This year’s toy drive is being organized by CEP and other Memorial organizations including MUN Students’ Union, the Graduate Students’ Union, and the Health Sciences Centre.

“Last year we collected approximately $5,000 worth of children’s toys,” said Tom Hennifent, CEP. “This year we’re hoping to surpass last year’s toy drive and make this Christmas morning memorable for an even greater number of deserving children.”

Operation Toys for Kids kicked off at R. Gushue Hall, Paton College, on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Dr. Axel Meisen, president and vice-chancellor of Memorial University, and George Tilley, CEO of St. John’s Health Care Corporation, joined toy drive organizers for the launch of this year’s drive.

CEP is asking students and staff from across campus to help them collect toys for deserving children across Newfoundland and Labrador and is making it easy to donate. The toys do not need to be wrapped and can be dropped off at the Campus Enforcement office on Phelan Road at any time during the day or night. Alternatively, members of CEP are available to drop by your office and pick up the toys. For pick-up, call CEP at 737-8561.

Operation Toys for Kids began in 2001. That year CEP teamed up with students of Paton College and collected approximately $1,500 worth of toys. Last year, they joined forces with CHMR and The Muse and expanded the drive across campus, including the Health Sciences Centre and collected approximately $5,000 worth of toys.

Toys for Kids runs until Dec. 14.