In an effort to make Christmas morning a merry occasion for needy children, the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) has been collecting gifts to contribute to the "Toys for Tots" program.

"We decided each chapter would contribute gifts for the kids," MGC President Lorena Regus said. "This is our first community service project as a council."

MGC Treasurer Usha Nair said she felt all the chapters in MGC have helped with the collection of gifts.

"This is a good way for everyone to cooperate and contribute in the holiday season," Nair said. "It's easier to do; it's something everyone can contribute."

Regus said the toy drive has been going on for about two weeks, and the project has gained momentum recently.

"It's been building up. At first, it was pretty slow," she said. "Over the last week, we've gotten the largest amount of toys."

Regus said 55 to 60 different kinds of toys have been donated for the organization.

Delta Sigma Iota fraternity President Kazi Hassan said that while his fraternity and others are service-oriented, it is "great to do something with MGC."

"Doing a service with all the organizations together felt great; everyone was involved in it," he said. "I'm looking at this as a good start so all the organizations can do something together."

Nair said she feels Toys for Tots is a "great cause" and added that it benefits the local area.

Nathan Leopard, assistant director of fraternity and sorority life, said unity was a key goal for MGC, and this could serve as a launching point for future united council activities.

"They're extremely service oriented ... they want to make a difference together," he said.

Regus said that although the toy drive is small, she has been pleased with the turnout on behalf of the chapters.

"Even though it's a small project, it's big for the kids who are looking forward to the toys," she said.

Nair said the toys that have been donated will be deposited soon at a drop off for Toys for Tots located at an Allstate Insurance office, 1380 N. Atherton St.

She added that donations are accepted from anyone, regardless of whether they are in the greek community.

"They'll be distributed in the Centre County area," she said. "[Anyone] can still contribute until the end of finals week."

Nair said this project has been good because it has raised the morale of MGC chapters.

She added that it gives them confidence for future projects.

"It gets people motivated for the next semester, since we've had such a good response," she said. "I'm sure we'll be able to have bigger service projects."

Regus said that because MGC is smaller, its chapters accept more responsibility, and their contributions are crucial.

"Since it's smaller ... people know each other more, it's easier to work together," she said.