UNLV's graduate students are providing approximately $1,500 worth of food, warm clothing, toys, and diapers to the needy this Christmas season.

The drive was organized by the Graduate Student Association, which represents all of UNLV's graduate students. Each of the organization's 34 representatives were charged with spreading the word in the academic departments they represent.

"Everybody just pulled together in a way they never had before, and the results were phenomenal," said Joyce Marshall, president of the association.

Marshall said it was heartening to see the clothes and food purchased by graduate students for the drive. "They really gave of themselves. A lot of them probably don't have a lot of extra food themselves," she said.

The math department was the biggest contributor to the effort, providing perhaps $500 worth of the total goods, she said.

Recipients of the drive so far have been the Shade Tree Women's Shelter, which received blankets, clothing, and diapers, and MASH (Mobilized Assistance and Shelter for the Homeless), which received food and toys. Baby clothes, baby food, and diapers will be presented to Child Haven on Monday, Marshall said.

For additional information, call Marshall at (702) 895-3993.