Two campus donation drives are brightening the holiday season for folks in need while offering perks to donors.

‘Can’ your parking citations

From Dec 2. to 13, students, faculty and staff with outstanding parking citations can donate items to the TU Foodshare Pantry to reduce their fines. include canned goods, nonperishable foods and toiletries such as toilet paper, soap, toothpaste and deodorant. For every five items donated, donors receive a $25 reduction in fines. Higher-cost goods like packs of toilet paper or peanut butter count as more than one item.

To receive the reduction, items must be dropped off in person at the Parking Services Office in the Union Garage from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Currently outstanding citations issued between Oct. 28 and Dec. 13 are eligible for reduction.

It’s our way of connecting with the campus community in the spirit of giving and kindness during the holiday season. It’s a win-win for us all.

Charles Herring, director of public safety and chief of police

The program has proved effective. Since launching in 2018, it's collected as many as 2,500 donations annually, resulting in more than $10,000 in fines being reduced or waived. The donations go directly to the Foodshare, a free on-campus food pantry that provides nonperishable items to students, faculty and staff experiencing food insecurity. During the last academic year, the Foodshare distributed 14,427 items to Tigers.

“About 30 percent of college students lack reliable access to nutritious food,” says Faith Borras, Basic Needs Hub coordinator. “The Hub aims to alleviate food insecurity by providing weekly bags of food and hygiene products to our students, faculty and staff in need.”  

Toys for Tots

For the fifth consecutive year, students, faculty and staff are invited to donate new, unwrapped toys for children in need.

The TU community has a tradition of coming together for those in need during the holidays. Every toy and food item donated makes a meaningful difference to those who receive it.

Charles Herring, director of public safety and chief of police

The collected donations will be distributed through the  program, which spreads the joy of the holidays and a sense of hope to economically disadvantaged children in Baltimore and across America. Seven collection bins are available for drop-offs across campus.

Toys donated in person at the Parking Services Office are also eligible for reduced or waived parking fines. Fines will be reduced by $25 for every two toys donated. Gifts with food or that resemble weapons are not accepted. Community members can support the effort without shopping by donating to the .