Tulane University Toy Drive
A Gulfport police officer teams up with his fellow students at Tulane University for a toy drive. All donations go to Harrison and Hancock County foster children. News 25’s Laurene Callander shares this heartwarming story.
Tony Alves became a foster parent with his wife four years ago. He was on the job as a Gulfport police officer and ended up caring for two kids in his home after arresting their parents. After taking care of them for 13 months, Alves and his wife decided to continue bringing in children in need, in addition to taking care of their own two children.Today, Alves is partnering with Tulane University for a toy drive, where donations go to foster kids in Harrison and Hancock Counties. “When the children show up to a house they will usually only have with them one suitcase and a few toiletries, things of that nature. These toys will help the foster parents just give them a head start when the kids get there and try their best to make it feel homely,” said Alves.
Tulane University is donating over 50 toys to the foster kids. They’re also throwing in toiletries for the foster parents to make it easier when taking care of the children. Tulane student Jennifer Spicer said, “They requested toiletries, pajamas, anything that young children can use.”
Spicer also has a special place in her heart for helping children, especially because she knows what it’s like to have nothing. “I lost everything in Katrina and so I know what it’s like to start with nothing. I have two children of my own. I couldn’t image a Christmas where they couldn’t have anything.”
Even though being a foster parent is hectic, especially with Alves and his wife having their own two kids, they say it’s worth it. “The best part about it is that you’ve been a positive influence on the kids, even if it’s just for a short time. You know you’ve been some sort of help, you’ve been positive and you’re helping them get through something,” said Alves.
Tony Alves became a foster parent with his wife four years ago. He was on the job as a Gulfport police officer and ended up caring for two kids in his home after arresting their parents. After taking care of them for 13 months, Alves and his wife decided to continue bringing in children in need, in addition to taking care of their own two children.Today, Alves is partnering with Tulane University for a toy drive, where donations go to foster kids in Harrison and Hancock Counties. “When the children show up to a house they will usually only have with them one suitcase and a few toiletries, things of that nature. These toys will help the foster parents just give them a head start when the kids get there and try their best to make it feel homely,” said Alves.
Tulane University is donating over 50 toys to the foster kids. They’re also throwing in toiletries for the foster parents to make it easier when taking care of the children. Tulane student Jennifer Spicer said, “They requested toiletries, pajamas, anything that young children can use.”
Spicer also has a special place in her heart for helping children, especially because she knows what it’s like to have nothing. “I lost everything in Katrina and so I know what it’s like to start with nothing. I have two children of my own. I couldn’t image a Christmas where they couldn’t have anything.”
Even though being a foster parent is hectic, especially with Alves and his wife having their own two kids, they say it’s worth it. “The best part about it is that you’ve been a positive influence on the kids, even if it’s just for a short time. You know you’ve been some sort of help, you’ve been positive and you’re helping them get through something,” said Alves.
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