North Central Missouri College athletics, in partnership with Wright Memorial Physicians' Group and Saint Luke's Mercer County Clinic, will be hosting the 4th annual holiday toy drive to support children in Grundy and Mercer counties. The event will take place during the men's and women's basketball games on Wednesday, December 3rd, with the women's game tipping off at 5:30pm and the men's game following at 7:00pm. NCMC invites attendees to bring new, unwrapped toys to the game. Anyone who brings a toy will receive free entry to the basketball games. All donated toys will help to ensure a smile for local children and families this holiday season.
Last year, the drive collected more than 400 toys, and the hope is to gather even more this year. The event will benefit children ages 1-17, and toys will be donated to the Department of Social Services Children's Division and Trenton Kiwanis Club for distribution. Those unable to attend the games on Wednesday can donate their toys at the Ketcham Community Center, Wright Memorial Physicians' Group in Trenton, or Saint Luke's Mercer County Clinic in Princeton before December 12th.
Arielle Houston, NCMC's assistant women's basketball coach and campus activities coordinator, said, "I'm excited to be part of the toy drive again this year! It's more than just collecting toys—it's about coming together as a campus and community to make the holidays brighter for children and families in need. It's a great way to spread joy during the holiday season."
"We're thrilled to collaborate again with the NCMC Athletic Department this year," said Shane Lynch, practice manager at Wright Memorial Physicians' Group and Saint Luke's Mercer County Clinic. "The community's remarkable support over the last few years has truly inspired us, and we wanted to build on that momentum."
For further questions about the toy drive, contact Shane Lynch at 660-358-5750.