WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – West Liberty University Athletics is proud to announce a season-long partnership with Northern West Virginia Toys for Tots, bringing the Hilltopper community together to support children and families throughout the region.
Through the partnership, West Liberty will host Toys for Tots donation collections at home athletic events throughout the fall and winter seasons. Fans, alumni and community members are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to participating events, with collection bins available at designated entrances to West Liberty athletic facilities.
The initiative will span five Hilltopper programs, with collections taking place at home football, volleyball, men's and women's basketball, and men's and women's wrestling events.
"We're incredibly proud to partner with Toys for Tots and support the tremendous work they do for children and families throughout our region," said West Liberty Director of Athletics Brad Forshey. "Our fans and community have always shown up for the Hilltoppers, and this partnership gives us an opportunity to come together throughout the athletic season for something much bigger than sports. If we can use our events and the platform of West Liberty Athletics to make a positive difference in the lives of children in our community, that's something we're honored to be a part of."
Donation Drive Details
Toys for Tots collections will be held at the following West Liberty home athletic events throughout the season:
· Football: All remaining regular-season home games
· Volleyball: All regular-season home games
· Men's Basketball: All regular-season home games
· Women's Basketball: All regular-season home games
· Men's Wrestling: All regular-season home events
· Women's Wrestling: All regular-season home events
In 2025, Northern West Virginia Toys for Tots helped bring smiles to more than 700 children across Ohio, Brooke and Hancock counties. This year, the organization hopes to expand that impact by reaching more than 1,000 children throughout the region.
"We are incredibly grateful for the support of West Liberty University Athletics and its dedicated fan base," said SSgt. John Labriola USMC (Ret.). "By teaming up with Hilltopper Athletics, we are making it easier than ever for the community to rally together and bring a message of hope to less fortunate children across Northern West Virginia."
The partnership provides fans with opportunities throughout the athletic season to support the Toys for Tots mission while attending Hilltopper events. All donated toys will benefit children and families served by the Northern West Virginia Toys for Tots campaign.
How to Help
Fans attending participating West Liberty athletic events can contribute by bringing a new, unwrapped toy and placing it in one of the designated Toys for Tots collection bins.
Those unable to attend a game or event but wishing to contribute can make monetary donations or find additional local drop-off locations through Northern West Virginia Toys for Tots.
Complete schedules for West Liberty football, volleyball, men's and women's basketball, and men's and women's wrestling are available at West Liberty University Athletics.
About Northern West Virginia Toys for Tots
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a nonprofit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps to provide leadership, funding and support for local Toys for Tots campaigns. The Northern West Virginia campaign directly benefits children and families throughout the local community.
