Number of Participants: 1
Hours Donated: 25
Value of Time Served: $211
Event Type: Children & Youth
Sport: Other
Date: December 27, 2021
Location:
Westhampton Beach
NY, USA
About:
For the fifth year in a row, Westhampton Beach High School junior Emily Tully has successfully held a toy drive for the nonprofit John Theissen Children’s Foundation, based in Wantagh.
“I am giving back to the community, but it doesn’t feel like work or depletion,” said Tully. “Running the toy drive gives me happiness to know that I am making a difference in someone’s life.”
Tully started her mission to collect toys as a seventh grade student at East Moriches Middle School. She continued her philanthropic efforts at Westhampton Beach High School, teaming up with the school’s Interact Club and placing collection boxes at the high school and elementary school, as well as in East Moriches schools. She also works to boost the drive through social media and with the assistance of the schools, which raise awareness as well.
Tully inaugurated the annual toy drive after the John Theissen Children’s Foundation provided toys to a friend who was battling childhood cancer.
“I decided to bring the toy drive to Westhampton Beach and East Moriches as a way to involve myself and the community in giving back for the holidays,” she said.
All of the toys collected are distributed to children on Long Island who are sick or underprivileged.
Photo caption: Westhampton Beach High School junior Emily Tully recently held a successful toy drive for the John Theissen Children’s Foundation.
Photo courtesy of the Westhampton Beach Union Free School District