Many students at Cardozo can agree that December is an exciting time to rest and enjoy whatever gifts they receive from parents, friends, or other family members. However, some of the students and teachers in Cardozo look to spread the cheer by donating toys and gifts to those in need to put a smile on their faces this month.
Cardozo’s annual toy drive has been around for quite some time, arriving annually every December. From Dec. 4 to Dec. 16, wrapped toys and gifts in good condition are donated from teachers, students, or family members of those at Cardozo into a box and later will be distributed to those in need. The box has been placed in front of the school’s entrance, and anyone who wishes to donate to those kids in need can drop off the gifts in the box or speak to a leadership student about the types of gifts they can donate.
The students in the leadership program are equally passionate about the toy drive, spreading the word and volunteering their time to help those who are less fortunate than we are this holiday season.
Annmaria Joshy, a senior and member of leadership, emphasized the importance of giving this month. “I think [the Toy Drive] is very important because not a lot of kids have opportunities like we do, and their families are not as financially stable as we are, I think those kids deserve the opportunity to be happy this Christmas,” she explained.
The truth is that Joshy is correct, many different families around the world have no funds to pay for gifts or presents for their family members. This toy drive truly isn’t just giving to the less fortunate, but also providing them and their families with happiness as well.
“As Leadership, we’re supposed to represent Cardozo as a whole; so holding this Toy Drive could allow the Cardozo community to come together and support a great cause and give other children opportunities that we have,” Joshy continued. She noted her important role in Cardozo’s community, and shows pride in her role in helping out the less fortunate and setting a standard for people to follow in her kindness.
Mr. Scarola, a physical education teacher and coach, also agreed with gift giving this season. When asked about his own contributions to the toy drive, he spoke about his family and friends contributing and giving in their own donations.
“I did [donate]. I did years ago, a few years back I was donating regularly and I’ve given toys outside of here. We’ve all donated; my family and I have donated with church…we’ve run this program in Westbury where we’re giving to the community there. We give toys and items and things during the holidays in boxes,” he shared.
Scarola appreciates the work that leadership has done, and notes how lucky him and his family are to be able to donate. “You don’t realize how blessed you are with the things you have; having my own children and my wife and I are blessed enough to be able to get them toys when they are younger and the things that they want now for Christmas and the holidays. And there’s so many other families out there right now that just don’t have those means to support and give to young children,” he reflected.
