Kids at The Laney College Children’s Center are who Hope Lane and Kinetta “KK” Barnett say they go to work for, especially during the holidays.
Lane and Barnett, who are Laney College classified professionals, are organizing the 7th Annual Book and Educational Toy Drive collecting toys and books for the children of Laney College students who attend the children’s center, which is an on-campus childcare center for preschool-aged children.
The toy drive initially started out as a coat drive and, according to Lane. Initially, only 20 coats were donated, but Lane and other classified professionals knew they had to expand their impact.
Both Lane and Barnett coordinate and promote the drive annually.
“Having conversations with teachers informed me of the need for toys that teach kids,” Barnett said.
The toy drive is collecting new, gender-neutral toys and books suitable for children ages two to five, and could be appropriate for kids with special needs as well, Lane and Barnett said. The drive will run through Dec. 6.
“Some families don’t have anything, and it hurts me to know that some children aren’t getting anything,” Barnett explained, noting that she works with parents who can’t afford to buy gifts for their children every year because of financial constraints.
The 7th Annual Toy Drive is now accepting donations that can be delivered to room T-813 on the 8th floor of the Tower building.
For additional questions, contact Hope Lane at [email protected] or KK Barnett at [email protected].