By Aron Smith
Jarek Peterson, a sophomore majoring in therapeutic recreation, a track and field athlete at Jackson State University, and a proud native of the Mississippi Delta, has brought joy to his community through a heartwarming toy drive during the holiday season.
Hailing from the Mississippi Delta, Peterson’s roots are firmly embedded in his community by organizing his first Thee Holiday Toy Drive at I.T. Montgomery Elementary School in Mound Bayou, Mississippi.
Motivated by a strong desire to make a memorable impact on underserved youth in his community, Peterson extends his generosity to I.T. Montgomery Elementary School students.
Expressing his motivation, Peterson shares, “Before turning 19 last year, I pledged to start giving back as I embraced young adulthood. Instead of receiving gifts, I decided to prioritize giving back. I took action to recognize the need in local communities, especially among students.”
The toy drive successfully donated over 200 toys to nearly 180 elementary school students, spanning from pre-k to 6th grade, creating a meaningful impact on often-overlooked children in his community.
Top-performing students received two opportunities to select their favorite toy from a diverse selection, including life-sized teddy bears, bicycles, pianos, guitars, and other beloved toys.
Adding an emotional touch to the holiday season, Peterson received financial backing just one day before the birthday of his beloved late aunt, Malaika S. Howard, for his toy drive initiative.
The day before his late aunt’s birthday, Peterson was deeply moved to tears by the generous sponsorship of not one but two companies.
The success of the toy drive was supported by the generous sponsorship of JSU alumni Richard Bradley, owner of Metro Booming Training Academy, and Tamika Bradley, owner of PDT Logistics, who supported Paterson’s project this year.
“Any young adults that are truly dedicated to offering hope and enhancing the quality of life for underserved communities, we are all aboard,” said Richard Bradley. “It’s our mission, reflected in both our nonprofits and profit-driven enterprises, to bring about positive change in the quality of life for the people in our communities.”
Tamika Bradley emphasized the importance of paying it forward to pour into great causes while highlighting good stewardship to contribute to being the example of change.
I think it’s important to pay it forward. It’s our responsibility to pour into others, to sponsor worthwhile programs.” she said. “Being the example, setting the lead, and giving back sets the example for other businesses to be able to do the same thing. Exemplifying a servant’s heart or that service to other businesses is wonderful.”
The toy drive also created a unique and meaningful experience for senior multimedia journalism major Miriam Howard, a cousin of Peterson, who received a heart full of joy during the holiday season.
“The impact was beyond my expectations. Witnessing the pure joy on the kids’ faces brought an indescribable feeling. There’s nothing like seeing a smile on a young child’s face. What started as a simple idea turned into a memorable experience for them, and knowing that I played a part in creating lasting childhood memories brings me immense joy,” Howard said.
This toy drive holds a special place in Peterson’s heart and is dedicated to the memory of Malaika Howard, affectionately known as Tee Tee Malaika. He continues to pursue Thee Holiday Toy Drive in her honor, feeling her spirit and hearing her proud voice in his head, saying, “I’m so proud of you, nephew.”
Inspired by the support from his aunt, Peterson is gearing up to attend a nonprofit organization class, laying the foundation for his ambitious plan. Looking ahead to December 2024 or January 2025, he is determined to launch a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving back to rural Mississippi communities.