NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Student nursing students are holding a toy drive to benefit patients at Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.  The drive will take place from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, March 11 in the Student Union lobby.

Requested are gift cards for meals, retailers and general use; crayons, craft activities, board and card games, fidget toys, balls, brain toys, light-up toys, backpacks, watches, mini-purses, bags, hats, beanies, fun blankets, socks, pillows, speakers and water bottles.

Shriner’s Hospitals for Children work to provide high quality care to children. There are several hospitals throughout the country that specialize in different medical disciplines.  Shriners Hospital in Shreveport works with children with neuromuscular and orthopedic disabilities or injuries. According to the Shriners Hospitals website, the majority of the monetary donations they receive are allocated to “patient care, research and education.” The hospitals provide care to children regardless of the families’ ability to pay.”

For more information on Shriners Hospitals, visit www.lovetotherescue.org.  For information on the toy drive, contact Katie Blake at (318) 332-3155.