NASHUA – Donors wishing to contribute toys or cash to Rivier University’s third annual Nashua PAL Toy Drive have until Saturday to make those donations, according to the university.

The donations will be turned over to Nashua PAL early next week for distribution to local families with children involved in PAL programs.

Options for making donations include Rivier’s new fundraising Website, rivier.edu/toydrive, for cash donations, and through an Amazon wish list at

a.co/eQCZ7j5, where toys can be purchased and sent directly to Rivier University.

There are also several “drop boxes” for toys located throughout the university’s campus.

Rivier and Nashua PAL have been community partners for a number of years, a program through which students perform internships with PAL and become volunteer mentors for the children.

The Toy Drive began in 2018 with one toy collection box in Rivier’s student center.

From there, Rivier student and Nashua PAL intern Sam Holdsworth, who graduated last year, partnered with his classmate and friend Cam Holdsworth, a 2020 graduate who is no relation to Sam, to steer the event toward becoming a fundraiser to support children participating in PAL’s Youth Safe Haven Afterschool Program.

Sam and Cam enlisted fellow soccer team players and classmates to help with the project. Successful beyond their dreams the first year, Cam Holdsworth led the 2019 Toy Drive and extended its reach by garnering support from local schools and businesses.

In total, the project raised more than $2,000 in monetary donations and double the previous years’ toy donations.

Rivier’s Campus Ministry Club has taken leadership of the project moving forward. Club president Vinnie Swierk, who is leading this year’s effort, said the club has set a goal of surpassing the $3,000 mark.

“We are working with Bishop Guertin High School and One Stop Liquors again this year, and we have created new relationships with Walmart in Salem and the nonprofit Just 4 Change to receive monetary grants,” Swierk said. “We’re looking forward to celebrating another successful year.”

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.