It's an unfortunate fact that many students in our community don't expect to receive any presents during the holidays — but PCPS social workers are doing their best to help, and your donations can make a difference.
This is Joy Box season for the staff working with PCPS' TASSEL Project. Every year, our school social workers visit our stash of donated toys and other items, wrapping them up as gifts for students in need.
“Our goal is to build relationships and connect to our students in a way that shows we're here for them. Providing this support at Christmas is just one more way of doing that,” said Shannon Gillespie, PCPS' senior manager for social work services.
Students and families are often surprised and overwhelmed when they receive a Joy Box, Gillespie says.
“It's truly unexpected. They don't expect for the schools to provide something like this,” she said. “For many of our families, this is going from nothing to something for the holidays.”
The TASSEL Project can always use more donations for Joy Boxes. We accept new, unwrapped toys, clothing, books, school supplies and other items for students of all ages.
If you'd like to contribute or want more information, please email [email protected] or [email protected]. You can also follow and connect with our social workers through the TASSEL Project's Facebook page.
