Students can get into the holiday spirit by donating toys for children.

NIU Athletics is collecting new and unwrapped toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program throughout November, said Elaine Russell, assistant director of marketing athletics.

Toys for Tots collects toys and games for underprivileged children.

Donating a toy before a basketball or volleyball game allows students to receive $1 admission to the game, Russell said.

There are two opportunities left for students to participate: At the 3 p.m. Saturday NIU football game against Ball State and the 7 p.m. Saturday men’s basketball game against Stephen F. Austin.

Donations can be collected at Entrance 2 of the Convocation Center and the west side of Huskie Stadium, Russell said.

“This helps kids in the DeKalb community,” Russell said. “It’s a great participation to be working with a local organization and an outreach in the community.”

On Nov. 9, the Marines were honored at the women’s basketball game, and a toy-drop took place during halftime, Russell said.

Aileen Rossouw, junior general studies major and member of the women’s basketball team, said the fans brought plush toys and stuffed animals to throw on the court to be collected for Toys for Tots.

Shari’ Welton, junior communication media studies major and member of the women’s basketball team, hopes Toys for Tots will allow the team to participate in community service.

“It’s always good to give back to other people, and community service is good for our whole team and it allows for the team to work together,” Welton said.

This year marks Toys for Tots’ 60th anniversary, Russell said.