The gift of family

At the holidays parents showering their children with gifts is common but at Polk Street Elementary School on Dec. 4, one child will be returning the favor to his mother.

Violet Plaza, a sergeant in the Army National Guard, has a son in the 6th grade and decided to revive a toy drive for the school that she last did in 2011. Plaza decided to participate in the program after seeing the difficulties that her fellow soldiers face during the holidays. Plaza works for the 719 Transportation Company and says that many soldiers in that company come from low-income families.

“I know that a lot of the soldiers have children but every Christmas is like a struggle for them,” she said. “I feel like every child should have something to smile for.”

The faculty and staff at Polk Street have been a source of pride for Plaza who believes that their dedication not only to the students but to the military as well is overwhelming.

“The principal, Gilbert Torossian, I don’t know what it is about that man but he’s incredible,” Plaza said. “He’s very loving, approachable person. I figure that people like that are willing to give things without asking for anything in return.”

Plaza and her unit are stationed at Camp Smith in Peekskill, NY, which Plaza says adds an extra burden on her staff due to the travel as many of the soldiers live in New York City. For Plaza, it’s especially difficult since she lives in Franklin Square, which means her time with her son is limited during the week.

At 10 am on Dec. 4, soldiers in her unit will pick up the toys donated by the students and their families at the main office of the school.

Teaching the children about giving and helping people in need is something that the faculty at Polk Street is mindful of.

“Having a kindergartner put a gift in a box and taking a minute out and saying ‘you know you’re really going to make someone’s holiday extra special’, their faces light up and then you know that something great has just happened,” said Polk Street Principal Gilbert Torossian. “That little extra link goes for miles.”