Students and families from the Renaissance Charter School at Wellington embraced the season of giving by collecting and donating nearly 800 toys, games and goodies for a great community cause. The school’s National Junior Honor Society students and service-learning classes spearheaded the toy drive to benefit the children at Palms West Children’s Hospital.
The Toy Drive resulted in hundreds of boxes of crayons, games and game boards, small toys and stuffed animals, student-drawn and created coloring books, and science-related, student-created coloring books.
“Our school has a reputation of community service, and the directors of public relations and human resources at Palms West Hospital reached out to see if we could help,” middle school social studies educator Joseph Comino said. “There are more pediatric patients at the children’s hospital than normal for this time of year, and our school family stepped up in a big way to help. They truly embodied our commitment to building strong minds and good hearts.”
As a school, Renaissance Charter School at Wellington has focused on a goal of always seeking ways to re-make a part of the world into one of compassion, empathy and kindness for each other, especially for those who are less fortunate. The school is well-known throughout the community for engaging students in meaningful service projects.
“Our students realize that when they give of themselves, whether it’s their service or something more tangible, like a toy, they spread joy and make someone’s life a little better,” Comino said. “That’s what it’s really all about.”
The Renaissance Charter School at Wellington serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Enrollment is underway. Those interested may apply online at www.wellingtoncharter.org.
