Festively dressed boys and girls from the East Flatbush area of Brooklyn were treated to Christmas cheer last Saturday and given an opportunity to select gifts from a collection of over 200 items, including action figures, educational, interactive, and electronic toys, books, DVDs, beauty kits, accessories, video games, and puzzles, for a joyous Christmas season.
Thanks to the Guyana St. Roses Alumni Association USA, Inc., in partnership with President’s College Alumni Association Inc., and Guyanese in the Diaspora Inc., who sponsored the annual jolly event at PS/IS 109 on East 45th St.
Despite receiving a smaller donation from the Toys for Tots program due to an overwhelming request from many other non-profits, the alum members, along with volunteers, were happy to share and care after giving the kids a warm welcome and allowing the starry-eyed youngsters to choose from tables of age-appropriate toys.
Secretary of St. Rose’s Lorraine Croft-Farnell thanked Melnia Cordis, a member of President’s College, the organizer of the Toy Drive, and giveaway, noting that the donation has been smaller than expected, compared to past years. As such, the event was only spread by word of mouth to reach less fortunate families.
When this reporter got to the location, approximately fifty children had selected unique toys, while many others were expected to stop by the day-long festive event.
St. Rose’s, which joined a group of other associations in New York under an umbrella in 2010, continues to expand its programming and fundraising events to benefit the schools back home.
In addition to a Father’s Day brunch in the summertime, St. Rose’s Alumni participate in a food pantry day during the Thanksgiving season and host a biennial fundraising gala. The 2026 Gala will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, said Croft-Farnell, who shared holiday greetings and was happy to welcome families to the annual toy giveaway.
Melnia Cordis, a former student of President’s College, a Brooklyn Immigration Attorney, who thanked those who make donations and the Toys for Tots program, says every year the organizations strive to support families by giving back through a toy distribution and volunteering to support the community.
The attorney at law, who is also making legal services easily accessible to Guyana nationals through a newly opened office in Georgetown, will provide diverse services to those who need them.
Brenda Locke, who represented St. Joseph’s Alumni Association, says it was her second year volunteering for the worthy cause. She pointed out that the manicure set was a popular item that attracted little girls to her table, and she was happy to serve the children. She looks forward to the bigger and better toy distribution in 2025 to bring joy to many more children.
She aims to volunteer at more community events and food distribution during her Alumni’s annual Spring volunteerism at Calvary’s Mission Food Pantry in Jamaica, Queens.
Like his wife, Brenda, Jonathan Locke, an old Bishop’s High School student, always brings joy wherever he goes. He shared that his Alumni has many fundraising activities to give back to his alma mater.
The alum association has equipped students with sporting equipment and implemented a lunch program. For the last three years, a student conference to educate students about life after school, career paths, and preparing for tertiary education has been quite successful. “It has been very exciting for the kids,” said Locke.
“The program has been more exciting for us because we get to give back to the school that has made us the people we are today; it’s a big deal. One student told me that you are why I work at this bank. I was at the student conference when you talked about how to get your first job.”
“Consider the difference you can make in the lives of the children in the country you grew up in. It will make you feel much better when you give back,“ said Locke, a successful furniture designer, craftsman, and owner of Timehri Studios in the Bronx.
According to the website, the Toys for Tots program has given children hope and an opportunity to have a wonderful and memorable Christmas for more than six decades.
Some of the other volunteers were Littleton Scott, Alana Scott, Dawn Matthews, Sarah Locke, Rehawana Joaquin, Desiree Wharton Beverly Waaldijk, Malika Peters, Andrew Dalgetty, Carlotta Waterman, Compton Grose, and Stanhope Williams. John Campbell, president of Queens College Alumni Association Inc., also attended.
