The SJC Long Island community is helping spread holiday spirit with Campus Ministry‘s annual Christmas Gift Drive.
“Every year, Campus Ministry connects with Wyandanch Homes and Property Development to help provide families in need with a full holiday experience,” Cristian Murphy, director of Campus Ministry, said. “Giving back during this season is so important, and I am honored to always team up with this great community partner.”
Due to the circumstances of this year and out of an abundance of caution, Campus Ministry is focusing its energy on gift cards for the families in need, in lieu of specific gifts.
Those interested in donating are asked to bring a physical gift card (not electronic) for either Target, Amazon or Walmart, in whatever amount they can afford, to the Office of Campus Ministry by Friday, Dec. 4.
“We want to make sure that the organization receives donations that can be easily directed towards the families, and offer the safest and smoothest process of donating,” Murphy said. “The Wyandanch community truly feels the support of the College via the donations, but they also feel the spirit of community.
“I thank you so much for your constant support, and more importantly, the families thank you,” he added.
More Chances to Spread Cheer
SJC Long Island’s student-run chapter of Project Sunshine is hosting its annual stocking stuffer raffle, giving those interested the chance to bring a smile to pediatric patients.
A donation of $2 gets donors one ticket, $5 buys 15 tickets, $10 gets 35 tickets, and donations greater than $10 will equal the corresponding number of tickets. Donors will be entered for a chance to win several great prizes, including gift cards to Panera Bread, Dave & Busters, Cheesecake Factory, Cold Stone Creamery and more.
By donating, participants are helping the parent organization Project Sunshine shower joy on more than 150,000 children facing medical challenges in hospitals across the world, through their new program Teleplay. While COVID-19 continues to impact visitation policies at hospitals and limit the use of pediatric playrooms, Teleplay allows patients the chance to play and be active through video technologies.
Those interested in donating can do so online at https://donate.projectsunshine.org/team/313216. So far, the College’s chapter has raised $445 out of its $500 goal.