Ole Miss Books and Bears Program Collects Gifts for Staff Children
The University of Mississippi launched its 28th annual Books and Bears drive to collect new toys, books and stuffed animals for the children of Facilities Management employees. Donations are being accepted at multiple campus drop off locations through December 12, with distribution scheduled for December 16 at the Jackson Avenue Center, a program that directly supports staff families during the holidays.
The University of Mississippi is running its 28th annual Books and Bears program to provide new toys, books and bears for children of Facilities Management employees. The campus accepted donations at multiple drop off locations across campus through December 12, and organizers scheduled distribution of the collected items for December 16 at the Jackson Avenue Center. Volunteers and contributors have been organized by a campus committee and supported by Athletics and a range of student organizations.
Books and Bears is a long standing campus tradition that channels gifts and volunteer time to families whose household members maintain the university grounds and facilities. Organizers provided a volunteer sign up link for those wishing to assist with sorting and distribution, and established an email contact at booksandbears@olemiss.edu for inquiries. The drive convenes staff, students and campus groups to coordinate logistics, manage donations and ensure family privacy and dignity during distribution.
For Lafayette County residents the program represents both immediate relief and a broader community signal. The direct impact is material for participating families who receive toys and books at a time when additional household expenses are common. Institutionally, the size and persistence of the drive underscore ongoing reliance on community generosity to meet seasonal needs among campus employees. That reliance invites consideration of staff compensation practices and benefits structures that affect day to day family stability, and it raises questions about how public institutions balance payroll and support programs with community led responses.
The Books and Bears effort also offers a civic engagement pathway. Student organizations and Athletics involvement mobilize volunteers and foster cross campus solidarity with staff. For residents and campus members who wish to participate, donations and volunteer time remain the immediate levers of support. The program illustrates how local civic action supplements institutional services while highlighting areas where policy choices could reduce the need for such supplementation in future years.
