Seaford Shows Its Generosity During Holiday Toy Drives
Seaford Shows Its Generosity During Holiday Toy Drives
Students, staff and community members were in the giving spirit, evidenced by a pair of successful holiday toy drives in the Seaford School District.
Seaford Manor Elementary School partnered with Desirae’s Darlings, a Merrick-based organization that provides the toys to underprivileged children. Two large collection boxes were filled during the toy drive, which ran from Nov. 24 to Dec. 10. On the last afternoon, members of the student council held a holiday sing-along at the end of the day, standing near the front entrance on risers flanked by the boxes. Students, families and staff could make final donations while enjoying festive tunes.
The toys were picked up that afternoon by Desirae’s Darlings founder Joe Gallart, who created the organization in memory of his daughter, Desirae Marie Gallart. All of the donations will be given to the United States Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program.
The student council, led by advisers Kristin Nelson and Lisa Perrone, made signs which were hung around the school to promote the toy drive. Their efforts paid off.
Student council members Danny Cronin and Lucia Ingenito, both fifth graders, enjoyed being able to help people in need during the holiday season.
“It went really good,” Danny said of the toy drive, to which he and his younger brother donated. “It was a good way to give back to the community. It’s important because people for the holidays all deserve something, and it’s a good time to bring joy to everybody.”
Seaford High School’s student council also hosted a toy drive in partnership with the middle school. Through Dec. 12, students at both schools could donate toys, which were then sorted and wrapped by the high school student government leaders.
Additionally, the student council delivered fliers to homes throughout Seaford, and then drove around to pick up toy donations left in front of houses afterschool on Dec. 15.
“Not everyone in the community has children in the district, but everyone in the district likes to donate,” said Tania Cintorino, co-adviser of student council along with Savannah Weilert about why the reach out to the Seaford community.
Hundreds of toys were collected and will be given to children at Head Start pre-k centers in Hempstead and Westbury, as well as Hope for Youth.
Student council members were to visit the Head Start centers on Dec. 18 and 19, dressed as Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and elves. Each child receives a toy, stocking stuffer, book and stuffed animal. Every toy is labeled, until right before it is handed out, so each kid gets a gift on his or her wish list.
“During the holiday times, we often think about what we want and don’t think about those simple things that others might not have,” Sophia Molinaro said, about the importance of the student council hosting the annual toy drive. “By giving kids the toys, it fulfills you. It’s a beautiful thing when it all comes together and we’ve helped someone out.”
