LMU and Crossing the Gap Launch Toy Drive

Lincoln Memorial University (LMU), in partnership with Crossing the Gap, has launched its LMU Crosses Gaps holiday toy drive, and the campus community is already coming together to brighten the season for children and families across the tri-state region.

The toy drive began on December 1 and runs through December 12, with donation boxes placed across LMU campuses in the President’s Office, Student Center, Grant-Lee Hall, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Mathematics, Sciences, and Health Professions, the Duncan School of Law, and Cedar Bluff. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to donate new, unwrapped gifts that will be shared with children in local schools.

Gift needs include:

• Pre-K – Elementary: coloring books, toys, stuffed animals, Play-Doh sets, dolls, card games, sports balls, art supplies, journals, headphones, socks, gloves, jackets, and backpacks.
• Middle & High School: board games, hygiene kits, tool sets, fishing gear, sports balls, earbuds, beanies, socks, gloves, jackets, journals, reusable water bottles, and art/craft kits.

In addition to gift donations, monetary contributions are welcome to help “fill the gaps” for children with specific needs. LMU is also offering volunteer opportunities for faculty, staff, and students during sorting and parent shopping days on December 15, 16, 18, and 19.

This year’s initiative is supported by a wide range of community partners, including Commercial Bank, Covenant Health, DeRoyal, England Furniture, Gondolier, Homesteader, Jimmy John’s, Long John Silver’s, Tazewell and Middlesboro Tractor Supply, Tazewell Walmart, Middlesboro and Tazewell KFC, and local Hearthside Banks. Their generosity is helping ensure children across Claiborne, Bell, and surrounding counties receive gifts this Christmas.

“LMU is honored to join Crossing the Gap and our community partners to brighten the season for children across our region,” said LMU President Jason McConnell. “Seeing our LMU family rally so quickly has been truly inspiring. We’re deeply grateful for every gift and every monetary donation. This initiative reflects the heart of our mission—service, compassion, and care for our neighbors during the holidays.”

As the toy drive continues, LMU extends heartfelt thanks to those donating, volunteering, and supporting this initiative to share hope and holiday cheer.