SPRINGFIELD, IL - The University of Illinois Springfield department of athletics is sponsoring a toy drive with the St. John's Children's Hospital in Springfield, Ill.

The toy drive will run from December 3 to December 12 and toys will be accepted at the UIS baskeball games on December 8, December 11, December 12 and on the UIS campus at the Public Affairs Center and the Recreation and Athletic Center. The hospital asks for donations to be new, unwrapped toys for kids ages 6 through 12.

Serving in the Springfield community is one of the department's core values and since the beginning of October, UIS volunteer assistant men's basketball coach Aaron Fisher and members of the men's team have visited the children's hospital several times each month.

"The coaching staff and players have a wonderful opportunity to give back to our community and we felt that the St. John's Children's Hospital would be an exceptionally worthy cause," said Fisher. "We enjoy our visits with the children, but the hospital's playroom could use some new toys and games. A toy drive would be a great way to come together as a campus community and make it a happy holidays for the children and their families."

Please join us in our efforts to give back to the Springfield community and St. John's Children's Hospital. The goal for this year's toy drive is to collect 50 toys.

All fans that bring a toy to any of the UIS basketball games next week will receive free admission to the game.