The SJC Brooklyn community is hosting a Giving Tree Toy Drive this holiday season for children at P.S. 65X Mother Hale Academy in the Bronx.
Mother Hale Academy asked SJC Brooklyn to support nearly 60 fourth-grade students. The school will distribute the presents to students, despite New York City school closures amid the COVID-19 pandemic, explained Michele Corsetti, coordinator of residence life and community service at SJC Brooklyn.
Corsetti is organizing the toy drive with Campus Ministry Director Sister Marie Mackey.
The College is asking those interested in participating to sign up through SJC Engage. After that, donors will receive an email noting if the child gift receiver is male or female. Donations are being collected in the Alumni Room in Tuohy Hall. The deadline is Dec. 15.
Corsetti said she is looking forward to seeing the SJC community support Mother Hale Academy, particularly during a time of increased need.
“The Office of Student Involvement, Leadership and Intercultural Engagement is very excited to partner again with PS65x Mother Hale Academy for the ninth year,” Corsetti said. “This year has been especially hard on children, and by being able to provide gifts for the fourth graders of this amazing school, we hope that we are able to make 2020 even a little bit brighter for them.”
S. Marie added to that sentiment.
“Each year we reach out to those who suffer economic hardship to help provide some joy on Christmas morning,” she said, “In this time of COVID-19, more families need a helping hand from those of us who enjoy at least basic stability and do not have to worry about our next meal or paying the rent.
“Now, more than ever, we need to be there for each other and offer hope to those who are struggling,” she continued. “Christmas is more than a season — it’s a lifestyle. We celebrate that God became incarnate to walk with us in our human condition and show us what love looks like.”
