The Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association is once again working to spread holiday cheer throughout the surrounding communities by hosting its eighth annual Toy Drive benefiting children staying in local hospitals. The organization is currently accepting donations of toys.

“The Owens Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association is proud to once again help in bringing smiles to those children who must spend their holiday in the hospital by coordinating our annual toy drive,” said Heather Franks of Findlay, Owens registered nursing student and Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association President. “Something as simple as a toy can really make a difference for a child in the hospital. I encourage individuals to give back during the holiday season by donating a toy to help a child.”

Donations can be dropped off on the College’s Findlay-area Campus, which is located on Bright Road in Findlay, at collection points in the Nursing Lab or the Atrium area. On Dec. 17, the Student Nursing Association will wrap the donated toys and distribute them as gifts to children in the Blanchard Valley Health System, Wood County Hospital, Mercy Hospital of Tiffin, Lima Memorial Health System, Fremont Memorial Hospital and Fostoria Community Hospital. Over 615 toys were donated to area hospital children the last seven years.

The Owens Student Nursing Association has a rich and storied history, serving as one of the longest active student organizations at the College. In 2005, Owens expanded its student activities opportunities to include a new Findlay-area Campus chapter of the Student Nursing Association. The organization was created for Findlay-area Campus nursing and pre-nursing students with the overall mission of providing avenues for individuals to engage in community service activities, as well as to serve as a support network for nursing students.

For more information on the Owens Student Nursing Association Toy Drive, call (567) 429-3518 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3518.