​Iona Prep Holds Toy Drive To Help Hawthorne Country Day School

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — In what has become as much a Christmas tradition as decorating the tree or drinking egg nog, the students at Iona Preparatory’s Upper School have renewed their commitment to brightening the holiday for youngsters less fortunate, even during the pandemic.

The Gaels participated in the Student-Faculty Council Toy Drive to benefit the younger students at Hawthorne Country Day School, which provides comprehensive services to children and young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Iona Prep has teamed up with Hawthorne Country Day School in this endeavor for nearly 40 years.

“It is an event that our school community looks forward to with excitement every Advent season. Even with the pandemic, we knew we had to continue this tradition and spread some much-needed holiday cheer” said Assistant Director of Campus Ministry Justin Pellegrino, who coordinated the Toy Drive.

This year’s efforts included a “wrapping party,” where students prepared for delivery the more than 300 gifts purchased by the Mothers’ Auxiliary and Student-Faculty Council. New coronavirus protocols were followed for the safety of all.

The gifts were specific to each student.

“The Toy Drive gives our students the opportunity to truly live out the real message of Christmas – a focus on giving and service to others and spending time with students at HCDS,” Director of Campus Ministry Sean D’Alfonso said.

“While our students raise money and provide presents, it’s the presence of our students and spending time together with the HCDS students during the Christmas season that truly matters,” he said.