“Our goal was to have enough for each resident to receive at least one gift, and that mission was not only accomplished, but nearly doubled! Thank you to everyone who helped in this effort,” said Rives proudly.
Northampton Community College (NCC) collected a multitude of items, including food, toys, cold weather essentials and more, to donate to Bethlehem community organizations in need.
“The response to our various donation drives this winter has been inspiring to say the least. NCC staff, faculty and students stepped up to make a difference for those less fortunate!” said Toni Fernandez, community outreach manager at NCC.
In partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 244 turkey boxes and over 50 cans of food, pasta and grains were donated to the Hispanic Center Food Drive. More than 90 sets of new scarves, hats, knitted head bands and gloves went to the North East Community Center. Ten out of 19 holiday wishes, a sweet name for their donation needs, were granted for the Lynfield Community Center Toy Drive, totaling $900.00.
Terry Rives, nurse aide program manager, organized the Elder Angel Drive held at Bethlehem and Monroe Campuses as well as the Fowler Southside Center. The effort led to NCC receiving approximately 1,050 items including activity books, markers, scarves, hats, gloves, lounge wear, slippers, inspirational books, hand/body creams and more for over 650 residents at Gracedale Nursing Home. Faculty, staff, students and community members made monetary donations online, which helped to purchase additional items for the nursing home.
Five student clubs, PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) Beta Beta Chi, CHARTS (College & Hospital Association of Radiologic Technology Students), ECHOES (Exceptional College & Hospital Organization of Educated Sonographers), film club, and poetry club, all participated to make the Elder Angel Drive a success. NCC students wrote poems to the residents to brighten up what’s been a difficult year for many.
This successful set of four drives helped NCC lift the spirits of so many this season.
