Princeton Montessori School students and their families donated toys, hats and mittens for the school’s annual Holiday Giving Drive, which ended Dec. 15 at the school’s Cherry Valley Road campus.
Toys were collected in bins throughout the school and hats and mittens were hung on the “Giving Line” garland in the foyers. The donations went to two local organizations: The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey, which protects abused and neglected children, and The CYO of Mercer County.
“Our goal was to reach out to the community to support local children and families,” said Maria Wimmers, Princeton Montessori School parent and coordinator of this year’s Holiday Drive. “After learning how The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey not only saves children, but also has many programs in place to benefit families, we knew it would be a great organization to support. Asking our students to pick out hats or toys for other children is also a great way to teach them about the needs of others and how they can make a difference.”
Two carloads of toys were delivered to the Children’s Home Society of New Jersey, where they will be given as holiday gifts to at-risk infants and children. Hats, gloves and mittens were also delivered Friday to the CYO, who will distribute them to underserved children to help them stay warm this winter.
Not only did the students help their less fortunate peers in the community, but the Holiday Drive taught the children how their small efforts can have a big impact on the lives of others.