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AMA gives back

It’s giving season and Bradley’s American Marketing Association (AMA) is kicking it off with their annual toy drive. Students and staff are encouraged to place books, toys and new clothes inside of the boxes around campus to be donated to the Children’s Home of Peoria.

AMA hosts a variety of events throughout the year for its members including networking events, speakers, company visits and workshops. While there are many activities for the members, AMA’s president Natalie Konopka, a junior marketing and public relations major, expressed the distinctiveness of this event.

“As an academic organization, we typically don’t host many fundraisers during the year. [The toy drive], however, is our one opportunity to put ourselves aside and focus on community outreach during the holidays,” Konopka said.

This isn’t the first time that AMA has held a toy drive, and it likely won’t be their last. The first toy drive was in 2013.

“The toy drive is something we do every year in order to give back to our community and celebrate the holidays,” Konopka said.

There are many places to give to in the Peoria community, but the Children’s Home of Peoria was chosen for a specific reason.

“We can see a direct impact on the lives of children living right in our area,” Konopka said. “We host the toy drive to provide Christmas gifts for children who otherwise would receive nothing during the holidays, and were extremely humbled and excited to do so.”

Sometimes the ability to see the reaction and the impact you can have in one’s life can be a gift within itself.

“To me, this fundraiser is an opportunity to make someone’s holiday season more cheerful,” said Sydney Smith, vice president and junior marketing major. “I love that AMA holds this event every year because I think it’s such a great thing to give back to the community that you’re a part of.”

Giving back to a community is essential year-round, and the holiday season encourages it. Now in the drive’s fifth year, AMA has raised over $2,500 and donated more than 500 toys.

“We would really appreciate it if anyone wants to join us by donating new toys, books, clothing and monetary donations at one of our many bins across campus,” Konopka said.

Donation bins have been made accessible to students in the Collum- Davis Library, Campustown and the student center. Monetary donations can be given to the AMA’s advisor Brad Eskridge or any executive member. Donations will be accepted by the AMA until Dec. 4.

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