Dearest Deans, Faculty, Staff, and Fellow Students:
Christmas is a special time; a time when family and friends unite in the spirit of joyful thanksgiving and celebration. There is, however, another reality, one of despair and sadness. Each year many families have children who are sick in the hospital during the holiday season. These families are confronting what is very likely their darkest hour during a time that should rightly be filled with happiness. There is nothing more heartbreaking for a parent than to see their child suffer. Four years ago I myself faced a similar tragic experience in my family. The sorrow of many permeated the air. It was an experience that left an indelible mark on my heart. This experience has been a marching call to action ever since that day. That is why for the second time at Rollins College I am asking you for help.
What is Christmas if anything but the promise of Hope? After all, how could we forget the precious innocent moments from our childhood as we awoke the next morning to receive presents under the tree, or enjoyed a hearty meal with the family, or knelt in earnest prayer for a better, more peaceful world? Hope is all around us. I am asking you to search your inner child, look outside of yourself, and share this hope in the form of a toy drive. That is why I am calling this year’s toy campaign the “Gift of Hope.” The success and hope of this campaign, of course, starts with you.
Last year your response was remarkable. In total, we collected 500 toys for Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital. This year, we are not only benefitting this fine institution but we are also looking to benefit all Central Florida children’s health institutions, including Florida Hospital and a wonderful organization known as Give Kids the World. This campaign we launch will be the largest toy campaign launched in the history of Central Florida. It is a tall challenge, but I know that with your help we can do great things. The goal for the toy drive is 600 toys. The campaign will start this Monday, November 14th and will extend until classes end on December 17th. Any help that can be drawn from your community, church, and personal network will also greatly be appreciated. We are looking for any new toys and all ages ranging from infants to 18 years old. Toy bins will be placed in the Crummer lobby and will be regularly collected.
With all my heart thank you for your generosity. Your kind gift will never go forgotten. On behalf of myself and my partners Jesse Merrell and Lauren Maxwell, I ask that you join me in giving the Gift of Hope! May the joy and peace of the Christmas season be with all of you.
Sincerely,
Joshua Aguilar
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