Students give back through holiday toy drive

Kind hearts and thoughtful minds in the Island Park Public Schools and community came together last month to bring holiday joy to those who are less fortunate. Through donation drives facilitated by the Student Council and staff members from both Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School and Lincoln Orens Middle School, numerous families received gifts that were on their wish lists.

The drives were collaborative efforts, as students, parents, staff members and local businesses contributed items that provided both necessities and holiday joy to others. The Student Council members and teachers collected, wrapped and sorted donations of new toys.

“It means a lot to do this, because we are more fortunate than a lot of people and want to give back to them,” said eighth-grade student Orquidia Garcia. Kirsten Lilly, a fifth-grader, said, “I think it’s important – it shows we are caring for each other.”

Eighth-grader Abel Rodriguez shared that Island Park children received gift donations from a neighboring school’s student council following Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and understand the value of paying it forward. “I find that the toy drive is important,” he said. “It’s good to give back.”