Wittenberg student organizes toy drive

Kenya native is collecting small, ‘gently used’ toys to be sent to refugee children in Africa

Teen who died after being shot 4 times identified
11:56 a.m.
Doctors differ over weight loss surgery procedures
11:11 a.m.
Income tax revenues falling short
11/22/09
Prepare a Black Friday game plan
11/22/09
City’s holiday season starts today
11/22/09
> More headlines

By Kim Margolis, Staff Writer Updated 9:23 PM Monday, May 11, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — When Harriet Kamakil enters a room, she is unassuming, seemingly shy.

But the more you get to know her, you find Kamakil is full of life, questions and a big smile. But she also holds the pain of her fellow Africans.

Kamakil, a native of Kenya, a former Cox Ohio Publishing reporting intern and a Wittenberg University political science major, is organizing a toy drive to benefit refugee children in Africa.

Kamakil, 27, spent six years living and working with refugees in her home continent. A proud African, Kamakil sees the beauty of her continent amidst the poverty and conflict. After her U.S. schooling is completed, she plans to go back to aid her people.

In the meantime, she cannot wait to help.

Kamakil’s idea for the toy drive was inspired by an experience she had while working in the Nakivale refugee camp in Uganda.

An 8-year-old Somalian girl named Amina followed Kamakil around like a little sister. Kamakil gave her a doll. It was the only toy she had.

“She was so happy,” Kamakil said. “It was the first thing she ever owned that was her own.”

Before Kamakil left the camp, she asked Amina if she wanted anything else. Doll clothes was the answer.

Kamakil wants to collect “gently used” toys; there is no need to buy new ones, she said. They also should be smaller, rather than large, so more can be shipped. She will collect until July 31.

For more information on donating, call Kamakil at (937) 903-7872.

Toy drive for African refugee children

“Gently used,” small toys are needed to send to children. They do not need to be new.

Drop-off locations are at various sites at Wittenberg University, including residence halls, the Community Service office in the Joseph C. Shouvlin Center for Lifelong Learning and the International Education office in Hollenbeck Hall.

If you cannot donate at Wittenberg, but would like to help, contact Kamakil at (937) 903-7872.

Toys will be collected until July 31.

Share this article