The Women’s Union’s is going down to Tijuana on Jan. 6 to give toys to the children at an orphanage called Casa de Cuna. The orphanage, run solely by nuns, gives shelter to approximately 150 children ranging from ages newborn to 8 years.

The children, along with most of the Hispanic world, celebrate “El Dia de Reyes.” This holiday is similar to Christmas and during this holiday, the children write letters to the wise men, the “Three Kings,” asking for presents.

According to Professor Tanya Kravatz, the advisor of the Women’s Union, most of the presents that these children receive come from small groups and citizens who personally donate the toys.

The Women’s Union is collecting unwrapped toys in bins located around campus. The LRC, the cafeteria, the EOPS and the Financial Aid offices are some of the places where they can be found.

So far, the Union has collected around 25 toys and their goal is to get as many as possible.

Cony Chinen, another member of the Women’s Union, had initially introduced the idea which was enthusiastically received by other members.

“The thing I love about this club is that it is completely student generated and this is important to me because the idea came from the students and it’s a commendable cause,” said Kravatz. “The Women’s Union prides itself on doing community oriented projects.”

When the members of the club go to the orphanage, they will drop off the gifts and get to meet the children. They will also participate in a party for the kids.

Additionally, the club is also coordinating raffles to get more toys and donations. Members hold the raffles at lunchtime every Thursday and proceeds are donated to the orphanage.

“Some people, when asked to participate, respond by saying they don’t have time or the money,” Kravatz commented. “However, there are people who come back and donate toys and money which is great.”

The staff at Mesa College isn’t to be overlooked-many have donated toys to the cause. The toys that are collected will be split between the Women’s Union and the Honors Club.

The Women’s Union is part of many small groups of people donating toys to kids at orphanages in Tijuana this January.

“The main goal for many of these groups is to raise money, but the toys that are collected bring a lot of joy to these kids,” said Merlyn Baker, the founder of a non-profit that supports many of those orphanages.