Every year since UPD began its annual toy drive, the drive has broken its own collection record. Collections for UPD’s 5th annual toy drive took place from Nov. 18 to Dec. 7. At least 24 campus departments, campus organizations, as well as people without affiliation, donated unopened toys, books and money.

In a Dec. 13 email, Sergeant Myles Kittleson showed that this year was no exception. 2,844 toys and books, and $480 in monetary donations were accrued.

“With this being our fifth year, FGCU has donated over 9,500 toys/books and almost $4,000 in cash/gift cards to Heroes Unmasked,” Kittleson said. “FGCU continues to make a positive impact on our children and families throughout the state of Florida and specifically Southwest Florida.”

UPD worked in conjunction with Heroes Unmasked, a SWFL nonprofit. Their mission is to deliver toys to children’s hospitals across Florida, and kids requiring residential medical care in our area, all while wearing superhero costumes. All donations went to Heroes Unmasked.