The Saginaw Valley State University baseball team held a toy drive in collaboration with Saginaw Old Town Junction to support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program through Dec. 1.
Adam Piotrowicz, the head coach of the baseball team, commented on the toy drive.
“We have the opportunity [to] help bring joy to other families and collectively as a group give back to our surrounding community,” he stated. “We’re very fortunate to get the opportunity to be a part of college athletics, but at the end of the day, your sport shouldn’t define you. How you impact the people around you and make a positive difference in other people’s lives is ultimately what should define you as a person.”
Piotrowicz is no stranger to participating in philanthropy — he’s taught his four sons to be selfless and to help those who need it the most. However, this is the first time the team as a whole is getting involved.
Saginaw Old Town Junction is a railroad-themed restaurant owned by Tony Krasinski. They are a sponsor for the SVSU baseball program, and Piotrowicz mentioned the restaurant is a very supportive member of the Saginaw community.
Emma Thelen, a sophomore accounting major, reflected on the toy drive.
“Seeing this toy drive makes me feel so proud to be an SVSU student,” she stated. “I go to a lot of the baseball games, and knowing that they are engaging in programs like this brings a smile to my face. This gesture is going to make so many kids happy on Christmas day, and I am glad that everyone at SVSU can help contribute to that.”
As the holidays quickly approach, Piotrowicz talked about the importance of the Toys for Tots Program.
“The vast majority of us have a lot to be thankful for this time of year,” said Piotrowicz. “Yes, we all have our own personal struggles and challenges that we encounter in our daily lives, but programs like this provide an opportunity to take the focus off of ourselves and shine a spotlight on what we can do for those around us.”
According to the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots website, their goal is to collect unwrapped gifts to then distribute them throughout America to help bring Christmas joy to the less fortunate.
If interested in donating to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, go to secure.toysfortots.org to make an online donation to the organization.
