Chabad now holding its holiday toy drive

Building on the success of previous years, the Rohr Chabad Center for Jewish Student Life at BU, along with the SDT sorority, are again running a holiday toy drive dubbed “Light up a Life.” New toys of all kinds are being collected and will be distributed to children suffering with cancer through Chai Life Line, a New York City based organization that provides services to cancer stricken children and their families. Community members interested in participating in the drive can do so by dropping toys in the bin located in the Chabad Center lobby (only new toys in original packaging will be accepted) or by making a contribution earmarked toward this project. Checks should be mailed to Chabad Center, 420 Murray Hill Rd., Vestal, NY 13850. Contributions can also be made online through the secure site set up for this purpose at www.Jewishbu.com/toydrive.

The campaign will culminate with a bash at Binghamton University, featuring a display of all toys collected throughout the drive and treats, on Tuesday, December 6, at 6 pm. The celebration will include refreshments, a performance by the Crosbys and other treats.

“Social justice and charity are an integral aspect of the Chabad dynamic on campus,” explained Goldie Ohana, director of programming and engagement. “Each year, in conjunction with Hanukkah, Chabad holds a charity drive, thus twinning this holiday of light and joy with our need to remain sensitive to those who have less in their own lives. This is a practical way in which our students can make a big difference.”

“The best part of the culminating event will be seeing a display of all the toys we collected, which represents so much joy we will be bringing these kids. I am so honored and happy to be involved in this” asserted Danielle Ganchrow, who together with Benjy Hoff and AJ Keiser is chairing the Toy Drive. The project is being co-sponsored by tens of Greek groups, professional fraternities and various clubs on campus.