Seton Hall University's Annual DOVE Toy Drive Aims to Bring Holiday Joy to Children in Need

Seton Hall University's Division of Volunteer Efforts (DOVE) has launched its annual toy drive, running through December 5, 2025, with a goal of exceeding last year's collection of more than 1,700 toys for children across New Jersey and Appalachia, West Virginia.

The university-wide initiative, which has supported impoverished children for more than 25 years, provides Christmas gifts to families who might otherwise go without during the holiday season. Donations are distributed to schools and agencies in Newark, the Maplewood South Orange School District, the Don Bosco Youth Center and the Genoa Christian Center in Appalachia.

"For many families struggling to provide the basics, a toy for their child is not a luxury; it's a symbol that someone cares, that their child matters, that their community loves them," DOVE officials said in announcing this year's campaign.

The toy drive accepts both monetary donations through an online giving form and physical toy donations at the DOVE office in Boland Hall on Seton Hall's South Orange campus. Monetary contributions are used by DOVE staff members during a designated "Shopping Day" in December to purchase toys for specific ages or interests where shortages exist.

Sister Monica from the Genoa Christian Center in Appalachia expressed gratitude for past donations, noting that parents and children were "glowing" when receiving gifts. "Many parents personally thanked me and I want to extend that to the Seton Hall community, who provided the Christmas gifts," she wrote in a thank-you note to the University.

DOVE's wish list includes puzzles, board games, crafts, books, indoor and outdoor activity games, science sets and LEGOs or building blocks for all ages. As a thank you, the first 300 physical toy donations will receive a complimentary Seton Hall Pirate Hat from DOVE.

The toy drive is part of For All, Forever: A Campaign for a Greater Seton Hall, which focuses on enriching student education and community engagement. Those interested in participating in the toy drive can donate online or drop off new, unwrapped toys at the DOVE office weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through December 5.

Categories: Faith and Service