Poet's Corner Toy Drive a Success in New Rochelle

By Theresa Kump Leghorn.

Despite a snowstorm, New Rochelle residents turned out to support a toy drive organized by Big Viv and the Salvation Army at the Poet’s Corner on Saturday, December 14th. 

Vivian Spady and Mary Jo Jacobs collaborated to collect donations for New Rochelle children, assisted by Merry Go Round and Educational Tools and Toy, both of which took toy orders over the phone.  

"The turn out was terrific," says Vivian Spady.

"People ask what will we do if we get too many toys?" says Michelle Miller of the Salvation Army. "Any remaining toys will be  given as birthday gifts throughout the year—just another opportunity for a child to feel connected and loved."

Vivian Spady and Mary Jo Jacobs expressed thanks to all the remarkable volunteers in our community, including Guru Madeline Peters, who generously hosted the effort at Poet's Corner; Alvin and Friends restaurant, which donated candy canes and a gift card (which was awarded to one of the lucky donors), and Greg at Merry Go Round and Rosa at Educational Tools and Toys, as well as all the volunteers that walked in and called in orders. "Faces glow when people are doing a nice thing,” Mary Jo Jacobs observed. “The volunteers were expert wrappers and had a great time. The turn out was heart-warming and holiday spirit filled Poet's Corner. It was just wonderful."