ISSUED: 9 December 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Dana Costa
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Some children in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties will have a little merrier holiday thanks to donations from Shepherd University students and employees to the Salvation Army and The Martinsburg Initiative’s Joys and Toys program.
On December 6, the Division of Student Affairs delivered 25 stockings and five angel tags to the Salvation Army in Martinsburg and more than 30 toys to the Ramer Center for the Martinsburg Initiative Joys and Toys drive.
“This was a campuswide collection event for both these organizations through the Our Campus Cares initiative and the Office of Student Community Service,” said Shelby Maly, student affairs coordinator for social media and special initiatives. “These donations have such an impact on our local community and Shepherd has a rich history of giving back to our community, so during this holiday season, the Office of Student Community Service is very appreciative of all the donations.”
The Salvation Army Angel Tree program helps parents provide a wonderful Christmas for children of the community. Lt. Jennifer Webb, Salvation Army corps officer, said the Salvation Army serves Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties with a goal of helping as many children as possible.
“When we have partners like Shepherd University, it helps keep our program going,” Webb said. “It shows we have caring partners in the community who have a huge heart and want to give back in one of the best ways. It helps us put smiles on the faces of families that didn’t think they’d have Christmas. So, we are extremely grateful for the partnership and assistance during this busy season.”
Joys and Toys is an effort started by Gerry Thrasher of Martinsburg. Joni Greenberg, behavior health coordinator, The Martinsburg Initiative, said every holiday season Thrasher rents a 20-foot U-Haul and packs it with toys and other items for Berkeley County school children ages 4-19 so they can receive an extra present.
The truck will be unloaded at Ramer Center gymnasium this Saturday, December 11. In the next couple of weeks, social workers and counselors from within Berkeley County Schools and from community organizations will choose toys to distribute. Greenberg said donations such as the box of toys from Shepherd help make Joys and Toys such a successful program.
“I think it’s amazing,” Greenberg said. “They brought a huge box of toys and lots of stuffed animals and baby dolls. One of the dolls is of color, and sometimes we don’t get those types of dolls donated, so having more inclusive toys is nice. They brought some good quality brand new toys and dolls, and our kids are going to love it.”
This is the second year The Martinsburg Initiative has sponsored Joys and Toys. Greenberg estimates at least 80 families benefitted from the program last year.
For more information, visit the Our Campus Cares website.
— 30 —
