This holiday season, advisories at Woodland thoughtfully worked to collect gifts for over seventy-eight children.
An Outreach Worker from Waterbury Public Health sent Loren Luddy, a Spanish teacher and director of the toy drive here at Woodland, the names of the children whose families are involved in their Parenting Program.
A list that included ages of children was given to each advisor or staff member interested in participating. Advisories were then able to choose the children they wanted to buy for. They collected money within the group. The gifts were purchased by either students or advisors and brought to Luddy’s advisory, which collected the gifts.
The Outreach Workers picked the gifts up on Monday, December 16th. The children received their gifts at a party for families on Wednesday, December 18th.
“Buying a gift is something that not only gives a bit of joy, but it’s fun to pick out,” said Luddy.
Twenty-nine advisories along with five other staff members collected gifts. Each of the seventy-eight children on Luddy’s list received a gift. There were also two extra gifts.
Each year, Luddy runs the toy drive. Luddy formerly taught at Naugatuck High School were the Toy Drive was an annual affair. When Woodland opened in 2001, Luddy thought it would be good for Woodland to be involved too. Woodland has participated in the Toy Drive each year since its opening. Three advisories carried it through their four years and Luddy’s new junior advisory decided to continue the tradition. The number of children needing gifts this year was far greater than it ever has been in the past.
“I know this time of year can be stressful,” said Luddy. “Especially for families already struggling with money issues, loss, or other family struggle.”
Woodland has certainly helped many of these families by bringing joy to over 70 children this Christmas.
“Woodland is truly a community that cares,” said Luddy.
Advisories that participated:
Krista Accousti
Susan Patruno
Paul Geary
Chris Misuraca
Chris Tomlin
Nathalle St. Andre
Meghan Hatch
Lisa Seagren
Loren Luddy
Jenna Broadbent
Mandalena Warren
Ben Palladino
Sandra Groshart
Patricia Corey
Michael Magas
Kim Athan
Ilyce Cronk
Jill Blasi
Michele Papa
Sean Lewis
Susan Cinoman
Lisa Olivere
Kurt Ogren
Thomas Feige
Donna Lesch
Dana Mulligan
Jessica Block
Michael Cullen
Mark Mierzejewski
Additional Staff Members that participated:
Kate Smith
Janice Pugliese
June Rydzik
Debbie Betkoski
Kristine Burns
