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Sixth Annual "Tickets for Tots" Event Benefits Students,
Charities at Christmas
 December,
2004—This Christmas, Assumption College’s Department
of Public Safety gave the gift of leniency to students, faculty,
and staff; while at the same time bringing holiday cheer to needy
boys and girls in the Worcester area.
The sixth annual “Tickets for Tots” event, held on Wednesday,
December 8, 2004, allowed the Assumption College community to exchange
a maximum of two parking tickets for toys to be donated to the Toys
for Tots program run by the United States Marines. Cash donations,
to benefit the Worcester Telegram & Gazette Santa Fund, were
also accepted.
“Tickets for Tots benefits Assumption community members in
many ways,” said Officer Maureen Barbale, who coordinates
the program. “Some see it as an easy way to get out of parking
violations while doing a good deed at Christmastime. Others love
to contribute, even if they don’t have any tickets. They’ll
pick up a toy while they’re out Christmas shopping, or if
they can’t get off campus to shop, they’ll just write
a check.”
A few festive touches and intriguing incentives were added to this
year’s event. For the first time, a costumed Santa appeared,
and participants were able to take a photo with him for $1.00 with
all proceeds going to the T&G Santa fund. Raffles were held
throughout the day for a laminated Johnny Damon poster, a “Yankee
Hater” baseball cap, and a free student parking permit for
the 2005-2006 academic year. Three winners went home happy with
their prizes.
Whatever the motivation, the event is a success each year. Last
year, about 175 toys were collected and just under $1000 was raised
for the Telegram & Gazette Santa Fund. This year, Lt. Keith
Hough estimates that more than 300 toys were collected, and another
$306 in cash donations.
“The program benefits an excellent cause,” Barbale said.
“It’s also a good way for the Assumption community to
see the fun, goodhearted side of Public Safety."
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