Gifts bring holiday cheer to local kids

By Enid Arbelo

ouisa Sanchez ’95 believes there is a little bit of Santa Claus in all of us. That’s why the first-grade teacher at School 17 in the Rochester City School District has been partnering with the University’s annual “Gifts for the Giving” program, organized by the Interfaith Chapel and Religious Round Table.

Sanchez, whose own family struggled to put gifts under the tree when she was young, says she feels a strong sense of empathy for her own students, many of whom come from financially challenged homes. So she decided to turn to the Rochester community for help. Sanchez wrote to various groups at the University, including the Interfaith Chapel, asking if there was a way to help give the students at her school a better holiday. Gloria Colls, the Interfaith Chapel administrator, responded.

For the past six years, the annual drive has raised gifts for families throughout the Rochester area. In past years, more than 2,000 gifts were distributed to local schools, churches, and other agencies, Colls says.

“From that one letter we’ve built a very nice relationship,” Sanchez says. “The little things the students get make a big difference.”

The gifts collected this year at the Interfaith Chapel will be sent to School 17, St. Boniface, Church of Love Faith Center, Hillside, Sojourner House, and Mercy Residential Services. Each year, Sanchez adds, the program seems to grow. In fact, the campaign was so successful last year that each student in her class received two gifts, both a toy and an article of winter clothing.

While most children might not get too excited about a new sweater or pair of gloves, Sanchez says her students are very appreciative of gifts. And, as part of the experience, she requires the class to write a thank-you note in response to the generosity.

“They need to learn to be thankful; it’s not just about receiving,” she says.

The deadline for donating toys, clothing, or monetary gifts has been extended to December 11. Donations can be made at the Interfaith Chapel Midlevel Office from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more details, call x5-4321.