Toys for Tots is a "Town-Wide Success" – and a great achievement for two!
There is something to be said about a student’s determination and passion for good causes and making positive contributions to his or her community. It takes a very brave, compassionate and driven person! A great example of how youth in Southington continuously make this town a better place to live for everyone was the COMETS committee’s “Toys for Tots” collection.
Jonathan Kryzanski of DePaolo Middle School and Jonathan Pierson of Kennedy Middle School finalized the "Toys for Tots" toy collection drive for Community Services through STEPS on Thursday December 15th. The drive was so successful that multiple toy deliveries to Community Services had to be made!
"Our parents suggested that we should consider the kids that are going without this Christmas season. Both Jonathan's spoke to their principals and guidance counselors, then made the collection boxes with decorations, created flyers to post through all the school, and then spread the word at our schools. Each of us, made daily announcements at each school encouraging our friends to donate toys to the cause," Jonathan P explained.
The two friends are very active members of the STEPS Youth COMETS committee which involves community service and event planning. Jon and Jon had the idea to support other youth in the community during the holiday season by providing gifts to those who may not receive what they would receive this December.
This amazing accomplishment was not just a success for the boys but it was also a life lesson learned. When they visited Community Services to drop of the last few toy boxes, Jerry, a part time volunteer, told a story to the boys about a child that needed new sneakers. The child had never had a pair of Nike sneakers and although the shoes he received were two sizes too big, his needs had been met and this child was grateful.
Jonathan Krzanksi’s mother, Halina said, “Most kids have too much and it was good for the boys to understand and give back.” The boys listened intently to the story and truly took something out of it; that some kids in their own community don’t have what they might. The boys felt great about what they did for others!
"Being part of STEPS and working with my friend Jonathan made me feel useful and accomplish something good in my hometown,” Jonathan K said.
This contribution to the community is a great example of how a small group of people can make a tremendous positive impact in the world, that if a person has a dream, anything can be accomplished and that with the support of local adults, our youth can achieve even more!
STEPS is very proud of both Jonathans for their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm!
The boys and STEPS thank Kennedy and DePaolo school families, the assistant principals of both schools, and Ms. Discenza for their generous contributions and patience with this effort! Both boys would love to do this again every year and get more students involved to hear the same inspirational stories, as well as feel the way that they did.
If you are interested in joining the COMETS or MAPS committee, please check our website calendar for times of the monthly meetings and locations --- the next is a Holiday Party on Tuesday December 20th at DePaolo Middle School at 7pm. We hope you join us!