USI business fraternity collecting toys for local kids

By Kaylee Johnson

In fall 2018, Lauryn Thompson '21, business administration and accounting, joined Alpha Kappa Psi, USI's business fraternity, to build her resume and strengthen her skills for her future career field. It didn't take long for her to land an unexpected leadership position.  

"When I was pledging, I was just talking about new ideas and getting involved in the community," Thompson explains. "I said, 'You know what would be really cool is if we did a toy drive.' The other members looked at me and said, 'Why don't you just go ahead and run for service committee chair?'"

Thompson agreed, and now she and other members of Alpha Kappa Psi are on a mission to collect more than 100 toys for patients at the Deaconess Riley Children's Specialty Center in Evansville.

Lisa Lantaff, Deaconness child life assistant, says the toys will not only distract young patients from their hospitalization, but also allow them to continue being kids, something she considers "valuable beyond words."

"Kids always need toys and chances to play," Lantaff explains. "Parents and staff appreciate patients being able to feel happy and play even while feeling ill. We feel lucky when we have organizations such as Alpha Kappa Psi donate items to our patients."

To reach its goal, Alpha Kappa Psi is asking for help from the USI community. Students and employees can drop off new stuffed animals (with tags attached), cash and checks to Thompson by emailing her at lethompson2@eagles.usi.edu.   

Members of Alpha Kappa Psi will deliver the toys to the Deaconess Riley Children's Specialty Center at the end of the semester. "I think our fraternity is most excited about getting to go there and being able to see the kids' faces when they see the toys," Thompson says.

(In the future, Alpha Kappa Psi plans to organize its toy drive at the end of fall semester so that donations can be delivered ahead of the holiday season.)