Oiler Alumni Come Back to Campus to Help with Toys for Tots
Branden Ferguson Posted On December 5, 2023
Haley ’13 and Daniel Leaks ’14 share a passion for the armed forces, both veterans of the U.S. Navy. The married couple also share a strong passion for University of Findlay and making a difference in the lives of others. Haley and Daniel came together to support everything they love, with Haley volunteering to serve as the chair for the University of Findlay’s Toys for Tots annual event, and Daniel playing the role of Santa Claus.
“People take a lot of things for granted. If you haven’t struggled, you wouldn’t know what it feels like to go without,” Haley said. “I’m excited for all the people who are going to benefit from this event and the efforts of Toys for Tots. Helping with this event allows me to bring things full circle.”
When asked about being a part of something bigger than herself, Haley teared up, thinking back to the impact the Salvation Army had on her as a child. “I didn’t have toys one Christmas, and somebody donated to Toys for Tots. The Salvation Army and Marines brought my brother and me presents one year when my family fell on hard times,” she recalled. “This event hits close to home for me.”
Proud members of the U.S. military, Haley and Daniel do their best to support all branches and their respective causes. When the opportunity presented itself to take part in the 19th annual Toys for Tots event at their alma mater, while also helping the local Marine Corps members and Hancock County’s Salvation Army, they jumped at the chance to make a difference. “It’s nice to come back to campus and it’s truly humbling to be involved with an event like Toys for Tots,” said Daniel. “Any time I can serve and help out the local military, I volunteer my time.”
Daniel said he prefers to stay behind the scenes and to help make a difference. “I don’t go out to get praised or thanked. I like to do things in the background (like dress up as Santa). The kids won’t have any idea that I played a role in them receiving gifts, and that’s ok with me,” he said.
Toys collected at University of Findlay will be distributed to Hancock County children this holiday season. If you were unable to attend but would like to donate to Toys for Tots, please visit the following link for a list of all donation locations and drop-off boxes in Hancock County.
Post Views: 48
Latest Newsroom
- New Officers to Lead Findlay Town & CampusNew leaders are taking the helm this fall for the University of Findlay’s Town & Campus group – one of the oldest organizations at the University, promoting student success and goodwill among campus and community members. Town & Campus started […] The post New Officers to Lead Findlay Town & Campus appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- UF Welcomes ’24 Donnell Broadway Concert Series Guest Karen MasonUniversity of Findlay announces the next installment of the Donnell Broadway Concert Series: An Evening with Karen Mason. The event will take place on Sunday, September 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the Winebrenner TLB Auditorium on the University’s campus. Joining […] The post UF Welcomes ’24 Donnell Broadway Concert Series Guest Karen Mason appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- ‘Building Lasting Legacies’ continuing education program offered Sept. 12A continuing education program helping area financial representatives to better serve their clients’ financial and philanthropic interests will be offered at the University of Findlay. UF’s estate and planned giving council will present “Building Lasting Legacies: A Win for Advisors, […] The post ‘Building Lasting Legacies’ continuing education program offered Sept. 12 appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- Brian Partee Named to UF Board of TrusteesThe University of Findlay is pleased to welcome Brian Partee M ‘05 to its Board of Trustees. He is the chief global optimization officer for Marathon Petroleum Corp., and senior vice president of MPLX GP LLC. “Brian brings a wealth […] The post Brian Partee Named to UF Board of Trustees appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- Andrew Draper Named to UF Board of TrusteesThe University of Findlay is pleased to welcome Andrew Draper, Ph.D., to its Board of Trustees. He is a theologian, author, speaker, and teacher with a background in community development ministry. “Andrew brings a wealth of experience with his ministerial […] The post Andrew Draper Named to UF Board of Trustees appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- New Novel from University of Findlay Faculty MemberFINDLAY, Ohio – University of Findlay English professor Dave Essinger is set to release his next novel, “This World and the Next,” this fall. The novel explores a hauntingly familiar yet uniquely unsettling apocalypse scenario, promising readers a gripping narrative […] The post New Novel from University of Findlay Faculty Member appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.