By Andrea Fernandes
Features Assignment Editor
As Christmas approaches, people begin to think of what they want to see under the tree with their name on it when they wake up on Christmas morning. Instead of thinking this way, some members of the Bonaventure community have been taking action to brighten someone else’s Christmas morning.
Dr. Gregory Privitera, a psychology professor, has been focusing on giving back to the community this holiday season. Not only is he doing his part, he’s encouraging others to participate too.
“I decided to take part in Toys for Tots after meeting Reggie Dallaire, who is a veteran of the U.S. Marines and has led the charge of collecting for Tots for Tots in our area for many years,” Privitera said.
Privitera added that a Marine founded the Toys for Tots drive in 1947. Being a U.S. Marine veteran himself, Privitera decided to take part in Toys for Tots. He aims to support kids in the local area by ensuring that they have something to look forward to this holiday season.
Regardless of religious beliefs, the season is a great time to enjoy the company of family and friends. While indulging in all the fun of the holidays, don’t forget about the people, especially children, who may not be fortunate enough to have a family who is able to buy them something for Christmas.
If it’s too late for you to grab a toy to donate to Toys for Tots, it’s not too late to get in the spirit of giving. Churches, soup kitchens and other organizations similar to Toys for Tots allow people to contribute anything they can. People can also contribute time to putting things together that have been donated.
“I’m getting workers at the Seneca Allegheny Casino to donate Toys,” Deeanna Welling, a sophomore psychology major, said.
Welling is also helping Privitera collect toys and has even taken advantage of Black Friday sales to purchase toys to donate.
“I’m also helping a recruiter to help wrap the presents that people donate,” Welling said.
Donating items or your time is greatly appreciated by those in need, Privitera said.
“‘Tis the season of giving!” Privitera said. “The impact you have in a child’s life by sharing even a single toy is immeasurable– the children are truly grateful,”
Anyone interested in donating toys can contact Privitera at gprivite@sbu.edu, or stop by his office in De La Roche 100E where there is a box outside the door.
“The toys that are donated go to children in need in our local area,” Privitera said. “So you know you are making a big difference for children in this community where you live.”
