Nazzaro Center Toys for Tots drive for the Shriner’s

–By Phil Orlandella

Coming off of two successful holiday fundraising initiatives, the Nazzaro Community Center has embarked on a third effort, a toy drive for the Shriner’s Burn Institute on Blossom Street, West End.

Mira Giangregorio, Youth Worker at the Center, participated in a similar effort when she was a teenager, presented the Toys for Tots idea to the Center’s teen membership and they immediately embraced it according to Director Carl Ameno.

“As a young girl, I remember delivering items such as blankets, gloves, hats and dolls made by the St. Damien Society and actually presenting them to children making a lasting impression on me,” Mira said.

“I now want the children that I am working with to experience that same indescribable feeling of helping.”

To further enhance the campaign, Mira called on the women who recruited her many years ago, and long time president of St. Damien’s Barbara Maldero, the person most responsible for countless charitable fundraising endeavors over the years.

“Always glad to help,” was Maldero’s instantaneous response.

The Center teens will visit the Shriner children on Thursday, December 23 so any new unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the Center until then. For pick-up call 617-635-5166.

There is a wish list of toys that will best benefit the children according to the Shriner’s.