Roane State’s chapter of the Student Tennessee Education Association (STEA) recently completed a successful service project called “Blue Lights & Christmas Lights.” The initiative collected new or gently used small stuffed animals and new small toys to donate to local law enforcement agencies, where officers can distribute them to children they encounter during routine calls or traumatic situations. As explained by STEA chapter sponsor and associate professor Stacie Bradshaw, a small toy can offer meaningful comfort to frightened or distressed young children in difficult moments.

Throughout the fall, STEA students promoted the drive and placed donation boxes across nine Roane State campuses. The effort concluded in early December, resulting in an impressive total of 984 toys contributed by students, staff, and the broader campus community. Bradshaw expressed great pride in the students’ leadership and gratitude for the widespread support, noting how pleased the group was with the outcome.

On February 18, several STEA students joined Bradshaw to personally deliver the donated toys to the Kingston Police Department. The chapter regularly organizes bi-annual service learning projects that support students or teachers in K-12 schools within Roane State’s service area, with the spring project expected to be announced soon. The STEA chapter is open to all education majors enrolled in STEA as part of their coursework, as well as Tennessee Tech University students participating in the 2+2 program. Anyone with questions can contact Bradshaw at [email protected].