Have A Heart Gift Drive Collects Toys for Needy Kids

The holidays will be a bit brighter for many kids in Westchester as a result of the WJCS Have-a-Heart for the Holidays Gift Drive hosted by Linda Plattus (second row left), Scarsdale resident, WJCS Board member and volunteer. This marks the eighth year that Plattus has opened her home for the gift drive, which attracted 35 community members committed to making the holidays special for children who would not otherwise receive a gift. The guests bearing gifts also heard Dr. Dinorah Nieves, Assistant Executive Director of Children, Youth and Family Services about WJCS' Mary J. Blige infant-toddler learning program, which will be a beneficiary of some of the gifts collected.

Several corporate sponsors contributed food and flowers to the festive occasion, including Cherry Lawn Farm Market, Standing Room Only, Lange's Deli, Ruffled Feathers Gourmet Foods, Martine's Fine Bake Shoppe and House of Flowers.

WJCS is one of the largest non-profit, non-sectarian human services agencies in Westchester, serving 20,000 people annually at 70 clinic, school, community and home-based locations throughout the county. The agency's integrated network of services includes mental health treatment and counseling, child and youth development programs, residential and non-residential programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, home health and geriatric services. The highest level of professional development and training is offering through the WJCS Educational Institute. For more information on WJCS, go to www.wjcs.com.