EDINBURG – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is proud to announce that it will partner with the Angel Quintanilla Foundation at its men's basketball game on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. as well as at its women's basketball game on Thursday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. to collect new, unwrapped toys for locally hospitalized children.
 
Since the age of seven, Quintanilla has collected and distributed toys to children at local hospitals during the holiday season. This December marks the 11^th consecutive year Quintanilla will lead this initiative.
 
"I decided to start this toy drive because when I was smaller I would spend a lot of time in the hospital, especially during Christmas," Quintanilla said.  "One day a group of teenagers brought me some toys and I felt so happy! That's when I decided to start the toy drive, and it's been growing year after year."
 
"Serving others in the community is something UTRGV Athletics strongly values, and when we heard about Angel and his foundation, we were immediately inspired to get involved and support this local cause," UTRGV Athletics Marketing and Promotions Coordinator Sara Hernandez said.
 
Non-students who donate a new, unwrapped toy at either basketball game will receive free general admission to the game. Enrolled UTRGV students who donate will receive a free concession stand item.
 
All donations collected will be distributed on behalf of the Angel Quintanilla Foundation to children at the Edinburg Children's Hospital, South Texas Behavioral Health Center, as well as the McAllen Medical Center on Friday, Dec. 18 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Volunteers are welcome.
 
"Donating toys is important not only for the children, but for ourselves too," Quintanilla said. "Because when children receive a toy, they're joyful and thank you with their smile. Donating toys is an act of love and that's something we all need."
 
The men's basketball team will host Angelo State University on Sunday at the UTRGV Fieldhouse. Doors open at 1.
 
Women's basketball will host Incarnate Word on Dec. 17. Doors open at 6.
 
For more information about how you can donate a toy or your time to the Angel Quintanilla Foundation, contact Martha Quintanilla at (956) 578-5170.

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