Brooklyn Arts’ Black Student Union, Latinx Student Union, and National Honor Society held a toy drive from December 1st through 12th. Every day, students could be spotted at morning entry, showing people where to drop off their donations and encouraging others to participate in the toy drive.

Mrs. Rosado, faculty advisor of the BSU, informed us that they had collected almost 565 toys, a great accomplishment and even more than last year’s haul. Club members told us that they found the drive important to the community because not everyone has the same access to resources, and it’s important that everyone feels included in a season meant to bring joy to all. 

The clubs distributed the toys on Friday, December 19th, outside of the Children’s Ward of Brooklyn Hospital. As Mrs. Rosado told us, many of the kids there are unable to leave the hospital to celebrate the holiday with their families, or can’t afford toys this holiday season due to high medical bills. This toy drive is able to uplift spirits, bringing cheer to all even during times of hardship. Brooklyn Arts has been holding the toy drive for four years. Every year they are able to collect more toys, making the world a better place one gift at a time.

Since the COVID pandemic, poverty rates have increased due to job loss, unstable economies, and the climate crisis. Now, an estimated 800 million people live in extreme poverty. The Brooklyn Arts toy drive becomes more important every year it’s held, and to keep it going for years to come, we implore students to donate, volunteer, and do whatever they can to help next holiday season.