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“Books and Bears is a heartfelt campus tradition that allows us to show gratitude to our Facilities Management service workers who keep our campus beautiful, clean and welcoming every day,” said Britnee Barnes, chair of the Books and Bears committee and athletic eligibility certification analyst.

“It’s our way of saying thank you to those who often work behind the scenes but play such a vital role in making the University of ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ a place we’re proud to call home.”

Looking to donate? New teddy bears, toys, dolls, bicycles and other toys can be dropped off at various campus locations through Dec. 12. Drop-off locations are:

• Barnard Hall, first floor
• Baxter Hall, first floor
• Bishop Hall, second floor
• Bondurant Hall, lobby
• Brevard Hall, first floor lobby
• Carrier Hall, Room 201F
• Duff Center, second floor
• Farley Hall, first floor
• Faser Hall, first floor
• FedEx Student-Athlete Academic Support Center lobby
• George Hall, first floor
• Guyton Hall, third floor
• Holman Hall, School of Business Administration offices
• Human Resources, South Oxford Center lobby
• Jackson Avenue Center, Outreach lobby and Suite D
• Lamar Hall, third floor
• Lyceum, first floor
• Martindale-Cole Student Services Center, Career Center
• National Center for Physical Acoustics, main hallway
• Robert C. Khayat Law Center, Room 2075
• Shoemaker Hall, Office 204
• Somerville Hall, Office of Conflict Resolution
• Student Union, Center for Inclusion and Cross-Cultural Engagement, first floor
• UM Museum, lobby
• Ventress Hall, first floor lobby

In addition, Books and Bears is again partnering with the Department of Athletics to help promote awareness and engage the community. Drives will be hosted at select games including the Dec. 14 women’s basketball game against South Carolina State.

All donations will be distributed to families on at 9 a.m. Dec. 16 at the Jackson Avenue Center. Those interested in volunteering for the distribution event can sign up via the .

The drive is sponsored by the Black Faculty and Staff Organization, founded in 1997.

Other supporters of the Books and Bears program include Intercollegiate Athletics, the Division of Outreach and Continuing Education, Staff Council, Gamma Beta Phi honor society and Mortar Board.

For more information about monetary gifts and donations, email booksandbears@olemiss.edu or contact Barnes at barnesb@olemiss.edu.