The annual Linden Public Schools holiday toy drive was once again a big success thanks to the generosity of district staff and community contributors.
The district was able to provide gifts to hundreds of district students and their families, spreading joy during a holiday season greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Gifts were purchased with donations of cash and gift cards from throughout the school community.
“It takes an entire community to orchestrate a holiday toy drive as large as ours, and it is thanks to our staff, parents, and local community members who made this possible,” said Annabell Louis, supervisor of student services. “There can be no greater joy than knowing you made a difference in the life of a child.”
Donations were sought through social workers based in each school, as well as from businesses and other community members. Santa’s elves from the Student Services Department delivered gifts to families, and the joy they saw was immense.
“We are sincerely grateful to everyone for their generous acts of kindness,” Louis said. “As a school community, we value the importance of empathy, compassion, and most importantly, kindness. Together with our community partners, we were able to make this annual initiative a great success!”