A.S.I. helps bring yuletide cheer

By Suzanne Johnson, On-Line Forty-Niner

Wednesday, December 2, 1998

Bright eyes and sticky hands were abundant at Cherishing Children, a campuswide toy drive organized by Cal State Long Beach's Associated Students Inc.

A.S.I. invited local underprivileged children to experience the spirit of the season with them Tuesday.

Upon entering the University Student Union, the young children crowded around the tree, pulling off all candy canes within reach.

President Robert Maxson did the honors of lighting the tree.

"This truly was a campuswide effort," said Linda Sherwood, A.S.I. secretary.

A nearby mound of wrapped presents testified to the success of the drive.

Each child received one age-appropriate toy and while there was obvious joy in the receiving, there was greater joy in the giving.

Boxes remain in place around campus to receive toys, which will be distributed on Dec. 18.