As the holiday season approaches, we invite you to donate to the annual Columbia Community Service Toy Drive. This initiative has been championed by the President's Office for many years and as a result, employees have donated thousands of new and unwrapped toys that have been distributed to local non-profits that provide services to youth and families with children. We invite you to donate to one of the numerous organizations that have requested assistance. Your contribution will ease the burden for many families and put a smile on the face of a child.
Locations
Please bring an unwrapped toy for children aged 12 and younger on Monday, December 13, and Tuesday, December 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at one of the following locations :
- Morningside: The plaza outside of Butler Library
- Manhattanville: The Plaza (Small Square)
In lieu of the President’s annual holiday party, drop by to enjoy warm beverages and delicious treats in appreciation of your generosity. Also take festive selfies with a Columbia-themed photo frame and props at the Morningside location.
Beneficiaries
Advancing the Community of Tomorrow (ACT) provides a safe haven for children (toddlers to teens) from many faiths, cultures and economic backgrounds to gather, learn, play and grow. This year, ACT will seek to provide 100 boys and girls, ages 2 to 9 years, with toys for the holidays.
Cathedral Community Cares' (CCC) mission is to combat and alleviate poverty through preventive services, education, and advocacy, specifically targeting the issues of health and hunger. This year, the organization is requesting help as they prepare to provide toys for 113 families with children, ages 1 to 13 years.
Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) helps Harlem residents by providing economic development and empowerment opportunities. HCCI will distribute toys to as many as 500 children, ages 6 to 14 years at its Annual ToyTopia!
We Are Not Afraid Community Resource Center hosts a shelter, food pantry, medical clinic, hot meal program and mobile soup kitchen. They will distribute toys to the children of the families that visit their food pantry on Three Kings Day.
Can't Make It?
You can email CCS for an appointment to drop off toys at the CCS office in Earl Hall. Donations must be received by December 16th.
You can also make a monetary or virtual donation to any of the following organizations:
Graham Windham Manhattanville Cornerstone Community Center supports children, youth and families who are overcoming some of life’s most difficult challenges. This year, they need your assistance with providing 95 children, ages 6 to 13 with holiday gifts!
NY Common Pantry which fights hunger and food insecurity, will distribute stocking stuffers from their Amazon wish list to the children of families who need assistance with food.
