Newly Formed CSI Nursing Student Alliance Partnered With Staten Island’s Where To Turn Charity To Provide Toys For Local Children They Serve

Holiday Toy Drive Organized by the Nursing Student Alliance at CSI

Our previous article, linked to here, discusses the toy drive that was organized by the Nursing Students Group. Other local toy drives serving disadvantaged kids on Staten Island have been reported on here and here. 

Additional information has been provided in responses to questions provided by Staten Islander News.  These questions and responses can be found below:

1- How did the Nursing Alliance decide on the charity to partner with? Did the charity contact them, or did they research and find the charity?

A simple Google search with WHERE TO DONATE TOYS IN STATEN ISLAND….led us to Where to Turn Organization @ 22 Brienna Court.  In researching the organization, we found out Where to Turn provides crisis relief services for victims of any kind of tragedy by aiding them in obtaining the help they need during the recovery process.

When we dropped the toys, we met Mr. Dennis McKeon, who runs the not-for-profit organization on Staten Island.  Mr. McKeon invited us into his warehouse to view the toy store for children in need.  We were impressed by his desire to help the community at large.  He also showed us another room in the warehouse where needy adolescence could come and pick dresses and suits if they should need them for proms or interviews during job searches.

2- Whose idea was the holiday toy drive, or was it a collaborative decision?

The idea of running a holiday toy drive in the nursing department was the idea of the Nursing Student Alliance.  The newly formed nursing club was passionate about organizing several drives that could benefit the community.  Community Service is a major part of the mission of the Nursing Student Alliance.  In November, a holiday food drive yielded 10 bags and 3 boxes of food were collected and donated to the Teddy Atlas Foundation.  And then in December, the Nursing Student Alliance collected and donated toys for the children’s toy shop at Where to Turn.

3- Did anyone from the Nursing Alliance attend the toy distribution event? If so, are there any photos they can share?

We did not get to attend the toy distribution event.  Mr. McKeon let us know that the bags of toys we donated were being distributed to The Project Hospitality Shelter on 100 Park Avenue for a children’s holiday party.  It is comforting to know that our donations would be distributed to the children so that they may celebrate the holidays.

Where to Turn had this to say about their toy drive: “Another successful toy drive. We were able to distribute over 2,600 toys and stocking stuffers to over 200 families and a few schools and organizations in need. Thanks to all who helped and to all who donated.”

Banner Image: The stocked shelves after the success toy drive at Where To Turn. Image Credit – Where to Turn

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David Pizzuto College of Staten Island

The College of Staten Island is a four-year, senior college of The City University of New York providing exceptional opportunities to all of its students and offering undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as certificate and continuing education programs. CSI is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. CSI’s academic year follows a two-semester pattern, with a separate summer and winter session. Classes are scheduled days, evenings, and weekends. The College has an extensive Continuing Education program and offers off-campus courses with and without credit.