By BESSIE HARP

Special to The Hays Daily News

Santa Claus is coming to town, but not with a team of reindeer; instead, he teamed up with Fort Hays State University in a food and toy drive through today.

George Jackson III, coordinator of diversity affairs, said FHSU has helped with Toys for Tots for five years through the dedication of the Hispanic American Leadership Organization.

"The HALO was the main starter of the idea," Jackson said.

HALO members meet every other Wednesday unless they're hosting a big event. HALO officers include President Beatriz Jimenez, Salina sophomore; Vice President David Ramirez, Lewis freshman; Secretary Monse Rodriguez, Salina sophomore; and Treasurer Jaron Zamarripa, Great Bend senior.

As HALO secretary, Rodriguez meets with other organization representatives and discusses the progress and details of the drive.

"My favorite part is just seeing how so many organizations came together to help," Rodriguez said.

According to Jackson, the group's goal was to collect as many toys and canned goods as possible since the community always can use more.

"There's always room for more," Jackson said. "After this year, since we have all these organizations helping, we can see what we have this year. This will help us get a good sense of a goal for next year.

"The students are hoping it works well," Jackson said. "We started getting bags (Monday)."

Other organizations that helped with the drive included the Office of Student Services, Diversity Affairs, University Activities Board, Black Student Union, Residence Hall Association, Student Academic Mentors, McMindes Hall Council, Delta Zeta sorority, Dillons and the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.

Drop off locations for the toys and food included the Center for Student Involvement at FHSU, on the Memorial Union lower Level 013; Dillons at 27th and Hall; Hays Area Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau, both at 2700 Vine.

"I thought of student groups who would be interested in helping. This brought in residence hall organizations and groups like SAMs," Jackson said. "They are very supportive and like to help."

The drive sought new toys and any type of non-perishable canned goods or foods. Toys will be delivered to Toys for Tots, and food will be delivered to the Community Assistance Center. Students and community members also could donate canned goods at the Grab and Go the Memorial Union and receive for a cookie.

Toys for Tots is a nationwide program that donates toys for underprivileged children. It was created in 1947 by Maj. Bill Hendrick.

Now run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, the program has grown to its current size and popularity.

The Community Assistance Center, 208 E. 12th, was founded in 1983 by a group of Ellis County residents, according to its informational pamphlet. Community volunteers help organize food, toys and various household items for distribution to lower income families, the disabled, elderly and disaster victims. The center is open 8 a.m. to noon weekdays and 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays. The director is Theresa Hill.

"I would really like for us to have a good turnout," Jackson said. "It gives the faculty, staff and students the opportunity to make someone else's holiday a special one. It's important to share during the holidays what we have."

Bessie Harp of Waldo is a junior at Fort Hays State University who is majoring in communication studies with an emphasis in journalism.