Dec. 1, 2009

It is time to get ready for the holiday season which for many families can be a giving, joyous and cheerful time. Unfortunately, for many others this can be a stressful time of need as families worry about paying their bills. With money so tight this year, many parents simply cannot afford to give their children a special present.

During the holidays, the USD Athletic Department and our student-athletes will help bring happiness into the lives of families of the Mission Valley YMCA through our 7th Annual Torero Toy Drive, Donate a Dollar and Adopt a Family programs. Through the efforts of our annual toy drive, we have made a touching difference in the lives of over 420 of San Diego's less fortunate children. This year, we will adopt 17 families and donate enough gifts for over 60 children.

We need your help in making the holidays brighter for some of these deserving children and help us put a smile on their faces with our TLC Toy Drive.

Here are the ways you can contribute: You can donate a dollar or purchase a new toy and simply drop the unwrapped gift off at one of our men's and women's basketball games on the following dates:

• Wednesday, December 2nd Men's Basketball vs. SDSU

• Thursday, December 3rd Women's Basketball vs. UNLV

• Wednesday, December 9th Men's Basketball vs. New Mexico