Reporter

The Multicultural Alliance and Gender Equity Resource Center (MAGEC) is providing everyone at CSU Bakersfield with a chance to give this holiday season. MAGEC is putting on their first toy drive, where students, staff, and faculty can donate new, unwrapped toys for infants or children up to 16 years old.

According to MAGEC, the center’s main focus is to provide a safe space for everyone of any culture, identity, or association. They help facilitate communication between groups and provide meaningful resources for issues students may be struggling with.

Haley Schlechta, graduate student and leader of MAGEC said that “the center partnered with CHiPs for Kids, which is ran through the California Highway Patrol.”

According to MAGEC, this is CHiPs ninth annual “CHiPs for Kids” toy drive. They also said that “the toy drive has helped make the holidays brighter for lower-income children throughout California for more than 25 years.”

“All toys donated to the MAGEC center will be donated to CHiPs on Dec. 14,” said Schlechta. “President Zelezny will be there when the toys are picked up by CHiPS.” She also stated that “the toys will then be donated to Kern County kids.”

Schlechta said that this toy drive “is important because the community gives us so many opportunities to give back, but we often do not target the younger crowd.”

“It is important to leave a good impression on a young child’s mind,” said Schlechta.

Schlechta also stated that “During the week of Dec. 10-14, MAGEC will allow staff and faculty to come pick out a toy if they do not have one to give to a child.”

Sidney Taylor, member of Club Gen, stated that they “like to participate in the events MAGEC does.”

“I think it’s important because we have a lot of resources at CSUB and this is a good hub for us to give back,” said Taylor. “I will be donating toys for sure.”

The toy drive is already taking place and currently hasn’t received any donations. The center will be accepting donations until Dec. 14. They ask that donations be given to the MAGEC center, located in Rohan Hall, ground floor, Student Housing West. MAGEC will pick up any donations located elsewhere on campus, you can contact the office staff at [email protected].