RHS students and staff spread holiday cheer throughout the community, donating toys to hospitalized children and winter accessories to the homeless, following two successful drives at the high school during the month of December.

The toy drive, sponsored by National English Honor Society (NEHS), was a huge success, resulting in six large boxes filled with infant toys, art supplies and clothes for the children at The Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. The donations were sent to the hospital, where they were given to both the children and their families.

“We hope that our donations helped to bring holiday joy and cheer to children who are unable to be at home this December,” NEHS club advisor Victoria Testa said.

In addition to the toy drive, a second fundraiser, organized by the executive board of the Student Council, gathered approximately 200 winter accessories such as earmuffs, socks, scarves, gloves and hats for Homeless Solutions in Morristown.

“The importance of the fundraiser is to give back to our community whenever we are able,” advisor Michele Adriano said. “Something as simple as a dollar pair of gloves can be incredibly meaningful to someone else.”

Both drives provided some holiday happiness to those who were struggling this season. “Giving back to the greater Randolph community is extremely important,” senior Brett Shuster said. “It is easy to forget how lucky we are to have the things we do. This even includes the necessities like hats and gloves that are absent from many people’s lives. Participating in the toy drive allowed me to give back and hopefully make someone’s holiday season a little better.”

Added Adriano, “These fundraisers are important to remind us that there are people in our local communities who are less fortunate than us, and it’s crucial to do good, especially during the holiday season.”