Roane State Community College

February 21, 2026

Roane State's Student Tennessee Education Association (STEA) chapter recently sponsored a service project focused on improving the lives of the youngest members of our community.

The "Blue Lights & Christmas Lights" effort was aimed at collecting new or gently loved small stuffed animals and new small toys. Those toys would then be donated to a local law enforcement agency for officers to give to children they encounter on both routine and emergency calls.

“Officers frequently encounter children who are frightened or experiencing a traumatic event,” said Stacie Bradshaw, STEA chapter sponsor and associate professor at Roane State. “A small toy can help provide them with a little comfort in a scary time.”

STEA students spread the word about the project last fall and set up donation boxes at nine Roane State campuses. The collection wrapped up in early December with a total of 984 toys donated by students, staff, and other members of the campus community.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the results of the project and the support it received from everyone at Roane State,” Bradshaw added. “I am so proud of our students for championing this important cause.”

Some of the STEA students involved in the fall service project joined Bradshaw as she delivered the donated toys to the Kingston Police Department on February 18. The group’s spring service project is expected to be announced soon.

These bi-annual service learning projects benefit students or teachers in the K-12 systems within Roane State’s service area.

Roane State’s chapter of the Student Tennessee Education Association is open to all education majors who have joined STEA as part of their education courses. Current Tennessee Tech University students who are a part of the 2+2 program are also welcome.

Questions about STEA can be directed to Bradshaw by emailing bradshawsn@roanestate.edu.