Cherishing The Children

The 26th Annual Bob Rodgers "Cherishing the Children" project is a CSULB tradition that shows we are a campus with heart!  

Children's Holiday Party
Wednesday, December 6, 2023  |  @Walter Pyramid

At the Cherishing the Children Holiday Party, we celebrate children and their caregivers with games, food, prizes, and music. Each child receives a gift donated by CSULB staff and a goodie bag from Santa and Mrs. Claus. All staff are welcome to attend this cheerful event to help as volunteers. Please contact staff-council@csulb.edu if you are interested.

Toy Drive
October 27-November 30, 2023  |  Drop off toys @Beach Shops Bookstore

Throughout the month of November, campus departments are invited to host toy collection boxes in their offices to encourage donations of toys and gift cards. Gifts will be distributed to local foster children during our annual Holiday Party.

To add some holiday cheer to your office, decorate your toy box! For fun, you can also sign up to enter our (optional) Toy Box Decorating Contest (see details below) by November 20, 2023.

The optional toy box decorating contest is a fun way to get your department excited about the holidays and increase the visibility of the toy drive on campus.

To Enter

By November 20, 2023:

  1. Submit the SIGN-UP Form.
  2. Send 3 photos of your box and email it to staff-council@csulb.edu.

Toy Box Rules

Any size box will do as long as it complies with the rules and safety precautions below. Your toy box must:

  1. Provide an opening for toys to be deposited.
  2. Be free-standing and self-supporting.
  3. Be visible from at least two sides.
  4. Be accessible to all toy contributors.
  5. Include the official sign: 26th Annual Bob Rodgers Toy Drive Official Toy Collection [PDF] (download & print). Please also post the toy drive promotional flyer with toy suggestions:  Cherishing the Children Toy Drive [PDF]
  6. Have a title associated with its design or theme.
  7. Not be a fire hazard if lights/electronics are used.
  8. Not be placed where a person could trip and fall.

Contest FAQs

How do I get a toy collection box for the toy drive?
Decoratively wrap any box of your choice and place it in your office area, then print out the attached CTC 2023 Flyer and CTC 2023 Toy Box Flyer. Place the flyers on the toy box or in an area near or around the toy box to promote the toy drive in your area. If you have an issue locating a box, email us at Staff-Council@csulb.edu and we will assist you in finding a box.
 
If my office has a toy collection box, do I need to report that to Staff Council?
No. Only if you are participating in the Office Decorating Contest.
 
Will Staff Council be collecting donations from participating offices?
No, we ask instead that all donations be delivered to the primary collection location inside the University Bookstore no later than Thursday, November 30th.
 
Does my office need to sign up for the toy box decorating contest?
Yes, those offices that construct a decorative and creative toy box for the toy drive are encouraged to enter the toy box decorating contest by entering through our Cherishing the Children website. The deadline to enter is November 20, 2023.

When does the judging occur?
November 27-30, 2023

How will the toy boxes be judged?
Judges will rank toy boxes according to these criteria:

  • Visibility (prime location)
  • Effort (time and energy)
  • Appearance (promotes the toy drive)
  • Creativity (stop and stare factor)
  • Overall Impression

When will the winning boxes be announced?
December 8, 2023, at the Staff Council Friday meeting.

Will there be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers?
Yes.

Is there a “grand prize” for 1st place?
Yes, a fabulous gift. 2nd and 3rd place boxes will receive the glory of recognition.

Are there any additional requirements?
Yes. Contestants need to save the date: December 8, 2023, from 8:30-10am as the 1st place finisher will be presented with his/her grand prize at the monthly Staff Council meeting. 2nd and 3rd-place finishers will also be honored.

When does the Toy Drive end?
The toy drive ends on the same day that the decorating contest ends: Thursday, November 30, 2023.

  • New, unwrapped toys only; please no plush toys as they present a fire hazard.
  • Toys for infants and teens are always in demand.   
  • For teens:  cameras, watches, sunglasses, earphones, skateboards, scooters, basketballs, soccer balls, footballs, hair tools (i.e., blow dryers, flat irons, etc.), jewelry, make-up brushes, crossbody bags/handbags. Target gift cards ($25) can be dropped off at the Bookstore, attn. Kristin Bonetati.