By MADDY VITALE
Ocean City Primary School preschoolers are helping to bring some joy into the lives of young children who are battling illnesses with a project to provide toys and other items to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
The Preschool Community Outreach Toy Drive Project at the Primary School, 550 West Ave., began Oct. 1. New toy donations may be dropped off at the school through Oct. 22.
The drive was “an inspiration of the Miccarelli family,” explained Lauren Guenther, director of Student Services for the district.
“Mr. and Mrs. Miccarelli want to focus on giving versus getting this holiday season with their preschool daughter Ava,” she noted.
Children and their families have a host of different items they may donate to the Toy Drive. Click here for the list: https://ocnjdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/CHOP-Toy-Drive-Flyer-1-1.pdf
Guenther said that the preschool team was “eager to begin this project” because it closely aligns with the preschool expectations to develop and implement a community outreach project.
“Community outreach and service learning is a critical component in preschool education as we teach children an awareness of the outside world and the needs of others,” Guenther added.
Primary School Special Education Teacher Karin Stanton offered a few suggestions for donations, including Play-Doh Modeling Compound, Fidget-POP-Toys, Crayola crayons and markers, and board games.
“All toys donated will be delivered to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to bring joy and comfort to their young patients,” Stanton said. “Donations will directly benefit CHOP’s Child Life Education and Creative Art Therapy Department.”
The goal of the toy drive is to not only help others, but also help the district.
The last line on the flyer says it all. “Thank you in advance for helping us create a culture of kindness and giving for our students and school.”
For additional information contact the Ocean City Primary School at 609-399-3191.
