It is the season of giving and celebrating. But while many are passing the time preparing for the big man in red, others like college students and residential assistants are hard at work trying to raise money and gathering toys for Dobbs Ferry kids.
Student and Residential Assistant (RA) Amy Estrada is helping to organize a toy drive at Mercy University.
“The Toys for Joy event I am hosting is a two-in-one event. This is the first time in my residential assistant role that I have done a toy fundraiser towards the Dobbs Ferry Children’s Village.
“I started fundraising by selling candy boxes around campus with the help of my colleagues. I have sold four boxes of candy, and I am looking to raise $250.”
She chose to donate to this facility because one of her supervisors at Mercy works closely with the staff and she thought it’d be a great idea to connect with the children.
At the toy wrapping party in the community lounge in Hudson Hall on Dec. 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., all students will be able to participate by wrapping toys for the children. The party will be a festive incentive for its students as well.
“Holiday cookies and hot cocoa will be provided for the students to enjoy while contributing to a good cause. And I will be going shopping by the end of this week with the money I have raised to buy toys for 100 children (8 to 11-year-olds) at the facility.”
Estrada’s deadline for all of this is on Dec. 11 as requested by the Dobbs Ferry Children’s Village. If you want to spread some Christmas cheer and don’t mind spending some time at Mercy a bit longer, this is a great wholesome opportunity for you.
But don’t worry if you miss the day, because Student Elijah (Eli) Brooks H.’s Toy Drive will be held during Prestigious Diva’s Annual December Showcase on Dec. 15.
Brooks said, “Our Toy Drive will be held during Prestigious Divas Annual December Showcase on Dec. 15! The event will be in the Rotunda, doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are available for purchase in person or at the door!”
The Showcase allows Mercy’s talent and outside performers an opportunity to showcase their skills. This event also allows people an opportunity to enjoy themselves within a whole experience while also being able to give back with the Toy Drive.
Three years ago, Brooks added the Toy Drive as a permanent addition to the December Showcase that Prestigious Divas hosts annually.
Brooks said, “The reason for adding a Toy Drive was to add another way we could give back to our community! Each year has been a success and we are super excited for this year!”
They accept all toys, the only request from them is if they can not be opened. “We are so appreciative of everyone who supports!”
The origination that Brooks has worked with is the “United Way of Westchester” that they will be donating to after their showcase.
Toys are significant to Brooks as he recalled. “As a child, I remember toys being an aspect of my childhood that played a role in my imagination and overall experience. My personal goal is that the toys we collect can make a difference to someone and positively impact their holidays!”
